Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage applies when you are involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault and they do not have insurance, or have insufficient insurance to cover the extent of the damage. This type of coverage is not required in Arizona, so you may need to check your policy to see if this applies. But if you have it, it can be used to cover your damages up to the limits of your policy. Most insurance companies have tight deadlines for this type of coverage, requiring claims or notice be filed in as few as 30 days after the accident. So as soon as you learn of the other driver’s inadequate coverage, call your insurance company right away. Collision Coverage Another possibility in your insurance package is collision coverage, which will pay for repairs after an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. However this coverage typically only applies to your vehicle, while any physical injuries are still yours to figure out. Filing a Lawsuit If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, but does have other assets, there may still be a way to pay for your expenses incurred by the accident. You can file a lawsuit against the other driver, demanding that they be responsible for the damage they caused. Some states restrict the ability to sue under no-fault car insurance laws, but as Arizona is a traditional negligence state, you can file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver. As you seek to prove that the uninsured driver was at-fault and that you are owed damages it may still be hard to collect if that person does not have money or assets with which to pay. In fact, working with a skilled accident attorney is your best chance to prove your claim and to receive the judgment afterwards. After an automobile accident, your first step–after seeing to your health and safety–should be to call your insurance company. Find out what your policy covers and what your other options are for getting your vehicle repaired and your injuries treated. If you find that your insurance will be unable to fully cover all the expenses after the accident, take the next steps to get the compensation you need. Don’t let another person’s mistake threaten your own security. With more than 30 years of experience in accident law, the Simon Law Group is ready and waiting to take on your accident case, just give us a call!    ]]>