Car accidents can be devastating experiences, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In Indiana, like many other states, having proper insurance coverage is crucial for drivers to protect themselves in case of an accident. However, not all drivers on the road follow the rules and maintain adequate insurance. Some drivers may have no insurance at all, while others may carry only the bare minimum, which might not be enough to cover the damages in a serious accident. This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage becomes essential.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps protect drivers who are involved in accidents with motorists who either have no insurance or do not have enough insurance to cover the full extent of the damages. Understanding how this type of coverage works in Indiana can help you make informed decisions about your insurance policy and prepare for the unexpected. Let’s take a closer look at what uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is, how it works in car accident cases, and why it is important for Indiana drivers.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that provides financial protection to you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to pay for your damages. In a typical car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for the damages caused by the accident, which can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. However, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, it can be challenging to recover compensation for your losses.
This is where uninsured motorist coverage steps in. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist policy will cover your damages up to the limits of your policy. Underinsured motorist coverage works similarly. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the full cost of your damages, your underinsured motorist coverage will step in to make up the difference, again, up to the limits of your policy.
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.
Indiana’s Insurance Requirements and Uninsured Motorists
Indiana law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. These minimum requirements include liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $25,000 for property damage. While these minimums may seem like adequate protection, they can quickly be exhausted in a serious accident, leaving injured parties with significant unpaid expenses.
Unfortunately, not all drivers comply with the law, and some may drive without any insurance at all. Others may carry only the minimum required coverage, which may not be enough to cover the damages caused in a severe accident. According to studies, around one in eight drivers on the road is uninsured, and many more are underinsured. This can create serious challenges for accident victims who are left to deal with the aftermath of the crash.
How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Indiana, having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide the financial protection you need. After the accident, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage will kick in to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. If the driver has insurance but not enough to cover the full extent of your damages, your underinsured motorist coverage will pay the difference, up to your policy limits.
For example, if you are injured in an accident and the at-fault driver has only $25,000 in liability coverage, but your medical bills total $50,000, your underinsured motorist coverage would cover the remaining $25,000, assuming your policy limits are high enough. This can make a significant difference in ensuring that you are not left paying out of pocket for expenses that should have been covered by insurance.
It is important to note that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage only applies if the other driver is at fault for the accident. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is subject to the limits of your policy, so it is essential to choose coverage amounts that provide adequate protection in case of a serious accident.
My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”
- Kathaleen Boyce
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."
- Rita Bridge
God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."
- Briana Shouse
Why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Important
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an essential part of any auto insurance policy, particularly in a state like Indiana where many drivers may be uninsured or underinsured. Without this type of coverage, you could be left with significant financial burdens in the event of an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Medical expenses can add up quickly after an accident, especially if you require surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing medical treatment. Lost wages can also be a significant concern if your injuries prevent you from working for an extended period. Property damage to your vehicle can also be costly to repair or replace. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage ensures that you are not left paying for these expenses out of pocket if the other driver cannot cover them.
In addition to providing financial protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can also provide peace of mind. Knowing that you are covered in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can help ease some of the stress and worry that comes with driving on the road. This coverage can also be relatively affordable, especially when compared to the potential costs of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
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How to File an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim in Indiana
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Indiana, the process of filing a claim is similar to filing any other type of car accident claim. The first step is to notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with the necessary information, including the details of the accident, the at-fault driver’s information (if available), and any evidence you have gathered, such as photos of the scene or witness statements.
Your insurance company will then investigate the claim to determine whether the other driver was at fault and whether they were uninsured or underinsured. If the driver was uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage will kick in to cover your damages. If the driver was underinsured, your insurance company will work to determine how much the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay and how much your underinsured motorist coverage will cover.
It is important to work closely with your insurance company throughout this process and to provide any documentation they request, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages. If you have questions or concerns about the claims process, it can be helpful to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Choosing the Right Amount of Coverage
When selecting your auto insurance policy, it is important to carefully consider the amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage you choose. While Indiana law requires insurance companies to offer this type of coverage, drivers have the option to reject it in writing. However, opting out of this coverage can leave you vulnerable to significant financial losses in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
When deciding how much coverage to purchase, consider factors such as your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage in the event of a serious accident. It is often a good idea to purchase coverage that matches or exceeds the amount of liability coverage you carry, as this can provide adequate protection in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In reality, you should purchase as much uninsured or underinsured coverage as you can afford.
It is also important to regularly review your insurance policy to ensure that your coverage amounts are sufficient for your current needs. Life changes, such as buying a new vehicle or having children, may require adjustments to your policy to ensure that you have the appropriate amount of coverage.
Navigating the complexities of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be challenging, especially in the aftermath of a car accident. If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, Wyant Law is here to help. Our experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim, working with insurance companies, and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Wyant Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty that can follow a car accident, and we are committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal support to our clients. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us anything unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in Indiana, contact Wyant Law today to learn more about how we can assist you.