Car accidents are stressful enough without the added worry of whether the at-fault driver has enough insurance to cover your damages. Unfortunately, many drivers carry only the minimum required insurance, which may not be enough to fully compensate you after a serious crash. So, what are your options if you find yourself in this situation?
Option 1: Suing the At-Fault Driver
One option is to try to recover damages directly from the at-fault driver by filing a lawsuit. However, this is often not a realistic solution. If the driver does not have sufficient insurance, they may also lack the personal assets necessary to pay a judgment. In some cases, they may even declare bankruptcy, making it nearly impossible to collect any compensation. While suing may work if the other driver has significant assets, for most accident victims, this is not a viable path to recovery.
Option 2: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The best protection in these situations comes from your own insurance policy—specifically, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of insurance kicks in when the at-fault driver either has no insurance at all (uninsured) or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages (underinsured).
Many people do not realize how common it is to be hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, particularly in states like California, where a significant number of drivers carry only minimal insurance. That’s why having UM/UIM coverage is essential.
Why You Should Get the Maximum UM/UIM Coverage
Since you can’t control how much insurance other drivers carry, the best thing you can do is protect yourself by purchasing the highest amount of UM/UIM coverage available through your insurance provider. This coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
By securing a high level of UM/UIM coverage, you ensure that you have a financial safety net if you’re ever in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens
The time to think about insurance coverage is before an accident occurs. Review your policy and talk to your insurance provider about increasing your UM/UIM limits. It’s an investment in your financial security and peace of mind.
If you’ve been in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver and are unsure about your options, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help. An experienced attorney can review your case and help you navigate the claims process to maximize your recovery.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t control how much insurance other drivers carry, you can take steps to protect yourself. Having adequate UM/UIM coverage can mean the difference between financial hardship and being fully compensated for your losses. If you’re not sure whether you have this coverage, check your policy today—it could save you a lot of stress in the future.
