Do drivers in Phoenix need to pay for uninsured motorist coverage?
Phoenix, AZ – There are various types of insurance coverage that are available to protect drivers in case of an accident. Standard policies may contain liability coverage in case a driver is sued, payment for injuries of people involved, and collision damage to the vehicle. There are many types of additional coverage that drivers can buy to cover various kinds of losses, but they should do some research to determine if more coverage is necessary.
Reasons why a driver may or may not pay for uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that is used to cover medical costs when an uninsured driver is responsible for causing an auto accident. While it is technically illegal for drivers in any state to operate their vehicle without an active insurance policy, this does happen from time to time, and an estimated ten to fifteen percent of all drivers on the road do not have any coverage. Many drivers who have sufficient health insurance that covers emergencies and sudden injuries may choose to opt out of uninsured motorist coverage. These people may feel that they are essentially going to be paying for two types of overlapping insurance, which is redundant.
Underinsured motorist coverage
There is also a related type of policy that drivers can choose to buy if a driver at fault does not have enough coverage to pay for all of the damage that they caused. Underinsured motorist coverage can help offset these losses, especially if the victim has to miss significant time from work or has large medical bills. Many standard policies only cover somewhere between ten and twenty five thousand dollars worth of liability of bodily injuries. Healthcare costs can quickly reach into the thousands of dollar amounts.
Is it possible to file a civil lawsuit against an uninsured motorist?
An accident victim can retain their own lawyer and sue a driver for causing an accident, even if the person does not have insurance or the victim did not purchase uninsured motorist coverage. The decision to bring the case may depend on the severity of the victim’s injuries, along with whether there may be a realistic possibility to collect anything from the defendant from the legal process. If the person does not have backing from an insurance company it is possible that they may have few assets that can be used to help the victim pay for their treatment.
Finding out if a lawsuit is the right decision
Southwest Injury Law is a reputable firm that deals with various kinds of cases related to motor vehicle accidents and personal injury. Anyone who needs assistance can contact the firm for more information about the potential for a lawsuit and compensation.
Firm contact info:
4425 North 24th St., Ste. 225, Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-777-3300
www.southwestinjurylaw.com
