Accidents with uninsured and underinsured drivers can leave injured accident victims with a number of difficult questions. Who will pay for my injuries? How will I get my car repaired? What if my insurance company won’t help? An experienced Colorado Springs uninsured motorist attorney can help you answer these important questions.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful ordeal, made even more daunting when the responsible party is uninsured or underinsured. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may not be able to recover the money you need to pay for damages, medical expenses, and lost wages.
At Green Law Firm P.C., we understand the unique challenges this situation presents and are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our experienced team of Colorado Springs uninsured motorist lawyers are well-versed in dealing with such cases. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a driver without adequate insurance, let us be your advocate in this fight for justice. We’re here to help turn the tide in your favor. Contact us today for your free consultation.
What are Colorado Springs Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers?
In Colorado Springs, as in most areas, all drivers are required by law to have a minimum amount of car insurance. This includes both bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to cover potential damages they may cause in an accident. However, some drivers choose to ignore this requirement and drive without insurance, becoming uninsured drivers.
On the other hand, underinsured drivers are those who have insurance, but the coverage limits are insufficient to fully cover the damages sustained in an accident they cause. For example, if an underinsured driver causes an accident that results in $50,000 worth of medical bills, but their insurance only covers up to $25,000, they are considered underinsured.
In both these scenarios, victims of accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers may face significant difficulties when seeking compensation for their injuries and damages, as there may not be enough or any insurance coverage to claim against.
How Common Are Colorado Springs Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers?
Uninsured motorists make up a large portion of today’s drivers. Tough economic times often force drivers to drop vital insurance. According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 13 percent of all drivers across the nation are uninsured. In the State of Colorado, however, that number is even higher. It is estimated that about 16 percent of all Colorado drivers do not have automobile insurance coverage. And even more are driving without enough insurance.
Colorado Springs Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Drivers are not required under Colorado law to carry uninsured motorist protection. However, many drivers choose to add it to their policies because it affords extra protection. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your policy should be able to cover your losses and help you pick up the pieces.
No matter how reluctant your insurance provider is to pay this claim, if you have this coverage, it is their duty to do so.
A personal injury lawyer can help you through this difficult time. Insurance companies are not always cooperative, even if you have an uninsured motorist policy. They may unfairly deny your claim or delay payments that you need. Your attorney can fight for your rights to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
If you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, it is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer immediately. Your own insurance company will still try to limit their liabilities and offer you a lower settlement than what you need. A lawyer can ensure that you obtain the compensation you are entitled to—even if the other driver does not have insurance.
At the Green Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future. Call us today for a free consultation and review of your case. Our law firm has the resources and experience needed to tackle even the most complex personal injury cases.
What are Colorado’s Auto Insurance Requirements?
The state of Colorado requires all automobiles to be insured. Additionally, proof of that insurance is required when you are registering a vehicle.
Despite the mandatory insurance law, many motorists still allow their coverage to lapse. Or they simply don’t carry enough coverage to meet minimum state requirements. In order to comply with Colorado’s auto insurance requirements, a driver must be able to provide proof of the following coverage:
- $25,000 per person for legal liability associated with bodily injuries,
- $50,000 per accident for legal liability when more than one person is injured, and
- $15,000 per accident for property damage other than the insured’s automobile.
Colorado Springs Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Requirements
In addressing the problem of uninsured and underinsured motorists, Colorado has established laws requiring insurance companies to include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of every auto insurance policy issued within the state. The amount of UM/UIM coverage should be equal to the policy’s bodily injury limits, offering an additional layer of protection to the policyholder.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage specifically applies when you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who does not have any liability insurance, or in a hit-and-run scenario. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, on the other hand, kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the total cost of your injuries and damages.
However, it’s worth noting that policyholders have the right to reject this coverage, but it must be done in writing. If the policyholder does not specifically reject UM/UIM coverage, it is automatically included in the policy. This mandatory offering of UM/UIM coverage aims to ensure that drivers in Colorado have access to compensation for injuries and damages they suffer as a result of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
In spite of these safeguards, the claims process can be intricate and often challenging to navigate, especially when dealing with an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Laws on Colorado Springs Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Colorado Revised Statute § 10-4-609 dictates the following:
- Every insurer must provide UM/UIM coverage in each auto insurance policy equal to the policy’s bodily injury liability limits unless the insured rejects the coverage in writing.
- UM/UIM coverage compensates the insured for damages if the accident was caused by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage, or in hit-and-run situations.
- UM/UIM coverage can be used to cover bodily injury or death of the insured, any passengers in the insured’s vehicle, and family members of the insured.
Accidents Caused by Uninsured Motorists
If you are in a car accident, you will most likely sustain some type of injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe, or even result in the loss of a loved one. Because your main concern will be healing and helping your family through this trying period, it is difficult to imagine where the money will come from to cover all of the expenses related to an accident you didn’t cause.
When the other driver is at fault, their insurance is supposed to pay to make everything right again – repairing or replacing your automobile, paying your medical bills, and compensating you for any missed time at work because of injuries. However, if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver you may be able to file a liability claim on your own insurance policy.
Colorado Springs Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents, is generally three (3) years from the date of the accident.
This time frame applies to filing a lawsuit for both personal injuries and property damage. If a person fails to file a lawsuit within this time frame, the Colorado courts are likely to refuse to hear the case and the right to compensation will be lost.
However, dealing with your own insurance company for an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim may have different deadlines. Therefore, it is essential to promptly report the accident to your insurance company and to consult with an experienced attorney to make sure all deadlines are met.
Contact our Colorado Springs Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Today
Navigating the complexities of an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident claim can be daunting. The top Colorado attorneys are at the Green Law Firm P.C.. We’re here to help you understand your rights and guide you toward the best possible outcome. Our team of dedicated attorneys has extensive experience handling these types of cases in Colorado Springs. We’re prepared to thoroughly investigate your accident, negotiate with the insurance companies, and, if necessary, fight for your rights in court. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact our Colorado Springs uninsured motorist lawyer today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
