Las Vegas Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
Liability insurance is a crucial shield against the financial repercussions of road accidents, and the state of Nevada mandates that all vehicle owners maintain a minimum level of auto liability insurance. This requirement is designed to ensure that, in the event of a car accident, there are financial resources available to cover damages and injuries. Sadly, not everybody chooses to follow the law. Some get insurance only long enough to renew their vehicle registration and then drop it, gambling that they won’t get into a crash while uninsured. In Nevada, more than one in ten drivers are uninsured. Even if you like to gamble, those aren’t odds you want to hear about when getting in your car for a trip to the grocery store, a drive to work, or a night on the town.
What happens when a person is injured in a car accident caused by a driver without insurance? The situation becomes complicated, but injury victims should not give up hope of obtaining compensation to deal with their injuries. The attorneys at Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers can help you find the resources to make up for the harm done to you when another driver – even an uninsured one – causes a crash due to their negligent, drunk, or distracted driving. Contact our experienced Las Vegas uninsured motorist accident lawyers to explore your options and find out how we can help.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works and Its Benefits
Nevada’s laws require the following minimum liability insurance coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability: This covers injuries to other people in an accident caused by the insured driver. The minimum coverage required by law is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: This covers damage to someone else’s property (like their car) in an accident the driver is liable for. The minimum required coverage is $20,000 per accident.
As noted earlier, however, over ten percent of Nevada drivers are uninsured despite the legal requirement. This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance that protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance. This coverage steps in to fill the gap left by the at-fault driver’s lack of insurance. Essentially, it acts as the insurance the other driver should have had, covering costs for your bodily injuries and, in some policies, property damage. For instance, if you’re hit by an uninsured driver and sustain injuries, your uninsured motorist coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering that would typically be the responsibility of the at-fault driver’s insurance.
In Nevada, uninsured motorist (UM) insurance is not required, but it must be offered by the insurance company as an option when you are purchasing liability coverage. By law, insurers must offer at least the same UM coverage as the minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage required. Many companies allow you to purchase the same amount of UM coverage as your liability coverage, even if you buy more coverage than the minimum coverage required by law.
The Role of an Attorney in Maximizing Uninsured Motorist Claims
While having uninsured motorist coverage provides a layer of financial security, navigating the claims process can be complex. Even though you are working with your own insurance company, it is still important to realize that your interests are not the same as theirs. You want the most compensation available to you, while they want to pay as little as they can get away with. Remember that insurance adjustors are professionals who work every day adjusting claims and payouts; they are experts at denying claims or paying claims that maximize profits for their shareholders while minimizing payouts to injury victims.
Lawyers with experience in uninsured motorist claims, like the attorneys at Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers, can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. They work diligently to ensure that you are not only justly compensated but that the compensation reflects the full extent of your losses. Our attorneys adeptly handle negotiations with insurance companies by building and presenting a strong, evidence-backed case for full compensation. Through negotiation skills and understanding of the law, our attorneys ensure that your rights are protected and that the insurance company adequately compensates you for your losses, turning a potentially challenging situation into a more manageable and fair process.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance Includes Underinsured Motorist Coverage as Well
Underinsured motorists are drivers who carry some liability insurance – usually the minimum amounts – but whose coverage is insufficient to cover the full extent of damage and medical expenses in an accident where they are at fault. For example, if your medical bills and car repair costs exceed the limits of the at-fault driver’s policy, you may struggle to receive full compensation without your own additional coverage. If you have UM coverage, you have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as well. This insurance kicks in when the other driver’s insurance policy limits are insufficient to meet your needs. Again, the help of a skilled attorney may be necessary to ensure you get the maximum value of your claim.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are a distressing reality that is tragically on the rise in Las Vegas, and they add another layer of complexity to vehicle insurance claims. In such cases, the at-fault party flees the scene, leaving little to no information behind. Uninsured motorist coverage becomes particularly vital in these scenarios. UM coverage steps in to provide financial protection for bodily injury or property damage when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks insurance. Whether you have UM insurance or not, contact us after a hit-and-run accident in Las Vegas to explore your options with our experienced and dedicated team.
Contact Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Las Vegas
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a critical aspect of your auto insurance in Nevada, especially considering the potential financial risks on the road. In the unfortunate event of an accident with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver, having the support of Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Our firm is committed to providing robust legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 702-450-5000 for a free consultation. There is no fee until we win compensation for you.