Iowa is a “fault” insurance state, which means that the insurance company of the driver who causes an accident will be liable for damages. However, an alarming number of motorists in Iowa do not carry auto insurance. In fact, nearly 1 in 10 drivers in our state were uninsured in 2012.
If you were hit by an uninsured motorist, you may be wondering how you will recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repairs. These expenses can be exorbitant after a serious collision. Fortunately, there are several possible ways to recover compensation after a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
An accident lawyer from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can evaluate your case, examine your insurance policies, and help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 319-393-1020 today to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury attorney in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn about three potential ways to recover compensation after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver:
- File a Claim against Your Own Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Some states require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Iowa is not one of those states; however, it is a good idea to purchase UM coverage in case you are hit by an uninsured driver. UM coverage will pay for your medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repairs up to your policy limits.
2. Find out If You Have Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay helps cover health care bills and funeral expenses associated with collisions. MedPay covers the policyholder, passengers, and the policyholder’s family members driving the insured vehicle at the time of an accident—no matter who was at-fault.
- File a Lawsuit against the At-Fault Driver
This is a last resort because most drivers who do not carry insurance do not have the money or assets to pay for damages they cause in accidents. Your injury attorney can evaluate your case to determine if filing a lawsuit would be worth your time.
Should I Hire an Injury Attorney after a Collision with an Uninsured Motorist?
You are not required to hire an accident lawyer after a collision; however, recovering fair compensation in any personal injury case can be legally complicated. This is especially true if the at-fault driver was uninsured. Your lawyer can examine the language of your insurance policies, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you avoid costly mistakes that would harm your claim.
If you were injured by a negligent driver, you should not have to pay for medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. An injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the maximum payout. Call 319-393-1020 today to schedule a free initial consultation with an accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids.