Metro Detroit Car Accident Attorney
As a prerequisite for obtaining vehicle registration, Michigan residents are required to purchase certain insurance coverage. MCL 257.518, 500.3009, .3131. The law requires that each driver carry minimum liability insurance of $20,000 for injuries to one person, $40,000 for each accident if multiple people are injured, and $10,000 for property damage. MCL 257.520. These minimum coverage limits are commonly referred to as 20/40/10 coverage.
But what happens if the injuries you sustain in a car accident exceed the $20,000 minimum policy of the driver who hit you? Even worse, what happens if the driver who hit you does not have insurance?
This is precisely why having uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage is important. Uninsured and underinsured motorist polices are offered by your own insurance provider, and allow you to seek damages that you would normally recover from the uninsured or underinsured motorist, including damages for pain and suffering.
This means that if you were involved in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance, you would be able to make a claim to your own insurance carrier for your uninsured policy. Similarly, if your damages exceed the at fault driver’s insurance policy limits, you can file a claim with your insurer for the difference between what is recovered from the at fault driver’s insurer and the policy limits of the underinsured motorist coverage you have purchased.
Check the declarations page of your policy to make sure that you have coverage in the event that you are involved in an accident with someone who is either uninsured or underinsured. Uninsured motorist coverage may not be specifically identified on your declarations page, but will likely be included in the definition of "uninsured motorist coverage" in your auto insurance policy.
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact the Metro Detroit Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.