Navigating Car Accidents With Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Suffering injuries in an accident that was another driver’s fault can be frustrating. But finding out the other driver does not have adequate insurance to pay for your injuries and other damages makes a bad situation even worse. 

Thankfully, you may have a few other options for seeking compensation. Learn how to navigate car accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers in Washington. 

Washington’s Mandatory Insurance Requirements

In Washington, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without having the mandatory minimum liability insurance. Still, many drivers violate this law. 

Washington’s insurance requirements for liability coverage are:

• Bodily injury per person: $25,000
• Bodily injury per accident: $50,000
• Property damage: $10,000

Generally, you can assume that a driver who causes an accident will at least have this insurance. But if the driver was operating a vehicle while uninsured, they won’t have the proper insurance coverage to pay out your claim. 

Similarly, if a driver only had the minimum liability insurance, their policy may not fully cover your accident costs, especially if you are facing serious injuries. 

Your Options for Seeking Compensation After an Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

So, what options do you have for seeking compensation claims after this type of motor vehicle accident? Speak with your legal representation about whether you may be eligible for any of the following payout options. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Many drivers carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for their accident costs in situations like these. Check with your insurance provider to see whether you have this type of coverage on your policy. It would pay the difference between what the at-fault driver’s insurance can cover (if anything) and the value of your damages, up to your coverage limits. 

Some insurance companies separate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, while others combine them into a blanket type of coverage. Check your coverage limits to determine how much you would be able to apply toward your accident costs. 

Personal Injury Protection Coverage

You may also have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which would cover your medical expenses and lost wages from an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Check with your insurer to see whether you have this type of coverage, and if so, how much. PIP can provide funds to make up for medical bills and lost wages for you and any passengers in the vehicle. 

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If all else fails, you may be in a viable position to pursue a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In that case, you would essentially seek funds from their personal assets rather than from an insurance company. As a result, this option is usually only worthwhile if the at-fault driver has adequate funds to pursue. 

If the driver does have insurance, yet the insurance company failed to provide an adequate offer, you can pursue a lawsuit against the insurer instead. These lawsuits are common after insurance disputes and usually settle out of court.

Speak with your car accident lawyer about whether a personal injury lawsuit makes sense for your case. 

Navigate Your Car Accident Case With Confidence With Max Meyers Law PLLC

While car accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers can be complex, our attorneys at Max Meyers Law PLLC are here to take the stress off your shoulders. We will explore all avenues for seeking compensation, regardless of who was liable for the accident. We will then walk you through the entire compensation process. 

Call us today at 425-970-9300 to request a consultation with our car accident attorneys in Washington. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ): 

Q: What are Washington’s minimum car insurance requirements?

A: Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Q: What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and how can it help?

A: This coverage pays for your accident costs when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, covering the difference up to your policy limits.

Q: Can I sue an uninsured or underinsured driver after an accident?

A: Yes, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against an uninsured or underinsured driver, seeking compensation from their personal assets.