Lexington, KY Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Kentucky law requires all drivers to carry insurance, including basic no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and minimum liability insurance. Unfortunately, this does not prevent many drivers from taking a risk and driving without insurance. What happens if you are seriously injured in an auto accident caused by an uninsured driver?
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to make sure your medical bills are paid and that your other costs and expenses are covered. Lexington, KY Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Todd W. Burris can help you get the compensation you need when you are struck and injured by an uninsured motorist in Fayette County.
Kentucky Uninsured Motorist Law
Insurance companies are required by law to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage when issuing a liability insurance policy. UM is part of your coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. Some drivers may reject the additional coverage to save some money on their premiums, but when you consider the chances of being hit by a driver without insurance versus the small addition to your premium, you are likely to conclude that purchasing UM coverage in amounts equal to your liability coverage is a smart purchase.
As in any car accident, unless you have rejected no-fault coverage, your PIP insurance policy will cover your medical bills up to $10,000, or more if you have purchased more than basic coverage, regardless of which driver was at fault. UM may come into play if your injuries qualify you to recover pain and suffering damages from the at-fault driver, but that driver is uninsured. Then the carrier of your liability insurance policy should pay your damages under your UM coverage. As when dealing with any insurance company, the insurer is likely to try to downplay the extent of your damages and pay you as little as possible.
Even when you are dealing with “your” insurance company, you should recognize that they do not share your interest in being fully compensated. Having an attorney represent you in settlement negotiations, as well as litigation if necessary, is the best way to make sure you receive the maximum value of your claim.
Under-insured Motorist Coverage
Under-insured Motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play when you obtain a judgment against a driver that exceeds the driver’s liability insurance policy limits. The UIM coverage on your policy should make up the difference, up to the limits of your coverage. Kentucky law requires insurance companies to make UIM coverage available upon request, so it is something to definitely consider when purchasing or reviewing your liability policy.
Experienced Legal Help with Your Lexington Car or Truck Accident
Lexington, KY uninsured motorist accident lawyer Todd W. Burris is experienced in dealing with insurance companies and making sure they pay a fair amount that fully compensates you for your injuries. If you have been injured in a car or truck accident and the other driver is uninsured, or if you have questions about your own policy and how to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries, call the Law Office of Todd Burris at (859) 252-2222 or contact us online for a free consultation.