Auto accidents are frustrating by nature, but they can become even more stressful when you’re dealing with an at-fault party who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injury claim.
If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your policy, you may be able to make a claim.
Understandably, prospective clients want to know the average uninsured motorist settlement. However, there is no average settlement amount because numerous factors influence your potential case value.
Pursuing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim can be complicated, which is why you need a skilled legal advocate on your side.
If you need assistance with a UM or UIM claim in Alabama, let the experienced car accident lawyers at Fob James Law Firm assist you.
Uninsured Motorist Claim Payouts
There’s no average uninsured motorist settlement because no two accidents are alike. You could have a rear-end collision or a head-on collision.
Injuries might be minor or catastrophic. It’s impossible to determine an average amount for such a wide range of accident types.
What’s more important than average uninsured motorist claim payouts is what your own case is worth.
The difference with this type of claim is that you present a demand to your own insurance company. Your insurance company essentially steps into the shoes of the other party’s insurance.
They will treat you as though you were making a third-party claim. This distinction is important as people tend to let their guard down, thinking that their own insurance company will treat them fairly.
That is one reason why retaining a car accident lawyer is crucial.
Alabama Insurance Laws
Alabama requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance limits.
The policy must have a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury coverage for one individual or $50,000 for multiple injuries in one incident. Minimum property damage is $25,000.
Despite the legal requirements to have insurance, Alabama ranks as one of the worst states for uninsured drivers.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Alabama has 19.5% uninsured drivers, the seventh-worst in the nation.
With so many uninsured motorists on Alabama roads, there’s a good chance that you will need to file a UM or UIM claim with your own insurance company if you’ve been in an accident.
Suing an Underinsured Motorist
When you are dealing with an at-fault party that doesn’t have enough coverage to pay out your entire claim, you might be considering suing them.
However, suing an underinsured motorist is not necessarily worth it unless they have assets you can attach. Suing someone and obtaining a judgment isn’t helpful unless you can collect on it.
If you have underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, you can present a claim to your insurance company rather than sue the person directly.
Compensation Available in an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim
Potential compensation available in a UM or UIM claim is the same as a bodily injury claim you present to the other driver’s insurance company.
Depending on the circumstances and the injuries you sustained, you might be able to collect compensation for:
- Medical expenses to date,
- Future medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Future loss of earning capacity,
- Property damage,
- Disability,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of consortium,
- Disfigurement, and
- Mental anguish.
Working with an experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer can help maximize your potential compensation. Our lawyers are professional negotiators and have the knowledge and experience to build the strongest case possible.
By pursuing these types of claims on your own, you risk resolving your issue for less money or receiving a denial.
Contact an Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer
If you sustained injuries in a car accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured, contact Fob James Law Firm today.
We have over four decades of experience helping injured victims just like you. We know what is necessary to obtain higher uninsured motorist claim payouts.
If your insurance company refuses to negotiate or offer a fair settlement, we aren’t afraid to take your case to trial either.
Our goal is to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.