Will uninsured and under-insured coverage pay for things like lost wages and pain and suffering?
If you’ve been in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may wonder what expenses your insurance will cover. In Arizona, uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help protect you from financial losses that go beyond what the at-fault driver’s insurance covers. At Bache & Lynch, we work to ensure you receive the full benefits of your coverage, including compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and more.
What Does UM and UIM Coverage Include?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is designed to step in when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance isn’t enough to cover all your damages. This coverage can help pay for:
- Lost Wages: If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, UM and UIM coverage can compensate you for the income you’ve lost during your recovery.
- Medical Bills: This includes not only the immediate medical expenses following the accident but also future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: UM and UIM coverage can also provide compensation for the non-economic damages you’ve suffered, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life.
The only type of damages that UM and UIM coverage typically do not cover are punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party rather than compensate the victim and are handled separately from the standard compensatory damages like medical bills and lost wages.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
To fully understand what your UM and UIM coverage will pay for, it’s essential to review your insurance policy in detail. At Bache & Lynch, one of the first steps we take in handling your case is obtaining and reviewing a copy of your insurance policy. Many clients mistakenly provide us with only the declaration sheet, which shows the limits of coverage but not the specifics of what the policy covers. We go beyond this by getting the full policy from your insurance company to ensure that we understand all the coverages available to you.
Multiple Policies May Apply
It’s also important to note that more than one insurance policy might apply to your case. For example, if you were a passenger in someone else’s car during the accident, the vehicle owner’s UM or UIM coverage might apply in addition to your own policy. This can open additional avenues for recovery that you may not have been aware of, making it even more crucial to consult with an experienced attorney.
Why Consulting a Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Is Important
Navigating the complexities of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be challenging, especially when multiple policies might be involved. At Bache & Lynch, we are here to help you explore all possible sources of compensation so that you receive the full benefits of your coverage.
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t leave your financial recovery to chance. Contact Bache & Lynch today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.