Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Terre Haute

Getting into a car accident is stressful. If you discover the driver who struck you is underinsured or uninsured, matters can quickly become overwhelming. The crash may leave you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and extensive property damage. Without insurance, the liable party may be unable to cover these expenses.

You should not have to cover the costs of an accident that was not your fault. Uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Terre Haute can put a sudden and unexpected financial strain on you and your loved ones. When you are in this situation, an experienced vehicle crash attorney from Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin is here to guide you through the complex legal process ahead. Allow an attorney from our firm to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorists

While there are notable differences between uninsured and underinsured drivers, their impact on other motorists is very similar. Still, understanding the differences between the two is extremely valuable following an accident.

An uninsured driver is someone that operates a motor vehicle without any liability insurance coverage. There are two main reasons why some motorists do not have insurance: either they cannot afford it, or they unintentionally allowed their policy to expire. When uninsured drivers cause accidents, there is no liability policy available to cover their damages.

On the other hand, underinsured motorists have some liability coverage, but not enough to pay for all the damage they have caused. Indiana requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to pay for medical expenses or property damage in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, this minimum coverage is often insufficient to address the full costs of a vehicle collision.

When a driver is underinsured, their policy will pay up to the policy limits, but nothing more.  Anything owed above and beyond what the insurance pays is the at-fault driver’s responsibility. This can be problematic, as many people cannot afford these out-of-pocket costs alone. Because of this, injured drivers must often cover most of their own damages following an uninsured or underinsured car accident in Terre Haute.

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

Injured parties should take a few vital steps in the aftermath of an accident. First, seeking prompt medical attention is critical. This care can be costly, especially if it turns out the Terre Haute driver responsible for the crash is uninsured or underinsured.

The next crucial step to take is to consider all insurance options. Even if the other driver is not covered, an injured motorist could have available coverage through their own policy. This could include coverage through something known as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance. This coverage is designed for accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers.

Lastly, consider speaking with an attorney. A seasoned legal advocate could help an injured party seek justice even in cases where the responsible party is uninsured. This could involve filing a claim on a UM/UIM policy or even pursuing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. Even when insurance is unavailable, the at-fault party could have assets available to cover the damages in a car accident case. Reaching those assets could be possible through a successful injury lawsuit.

Discuss Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Terre Haute with an Attorney

Following an uninsured/underinsured car accident in Terre Haute, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. The right attorney will pursue every avenue to help secure the compensation you deserve for your losses. Allow a diligent member of our team to provide essential legal guidance on everything from the insurance claims process to litigation. Reach out to Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today to schedule your confidential consultation.