Who Pays After a Car Crash? The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
After a car crash, one of the first questions that often arises is: Who’s going to pay for this? Ideally, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover the costs of the injured victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. But what if that driver doesn’t have insurance—or not enough? That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage comes in.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance. Even though insurance is legally required in Michigan, far too many people are driving without it. If an uninsured motorist causes a crash that seriously injures you, uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs, in the case of a fatality
This coverage can also apply in hit-and-run accidents, when the at-fault driver flees and is never identified.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to fully cover your losses.
For example, say your damages from an accident that caused serious injury total $100,000, but the at-fault driver only carries $50,000 in liability coverage—the minimum required in Michigan. If you have underinsured motorist coverage, it can help cover the remaining $50,000, depending on your policy limits.
Why Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage Matters
As Michigan personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen too many heartbreaking cases where injured individuals believe their costs will be covered, only to find out the at-fault driver is uninsured or their policy barely scratches the surface of what’s owed.
These cases are especially frustrating when a client did everything right: they drove responsibly, carried insurance, and still ended up burdened by someone else’s negligence.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage is a crucial safety net—protection when the person who caused your injuries can’t pay.
How to Protect Yourself
We strongly encourage Michigan drivers to review their auto insurance policies and consider adding or increasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The additional premium is often modest, especially compared to the financial risks you face without it.
If you’re unsure whether your current policy includes this coverage, now is a great time to call your insurance agent. Being informed today can protect your future.
Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver? We Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a crash and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. At Sinas Dramis Law Firm, we’ll help you understand your coverage, deal with the complexities of your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free personal injury consultation by completing a request form or call 888.758.0031.