Car accidents can be overwhelming, traumatic, and life-altering. The road to recovery becomes onerous when faced with mounting medical bills and lost wages due to incapacitation, especially if the other driver involved in the accident was uninsured or underinsured. If you live in Alabama and find yourself in this unfortunate situation, take heart. You still have recourse to redress and Stephen Thompson, an experienced personal injury lawyer, can help guide you through the process.
It is quite common to question whether you can file a claim if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. Many Uber riders are under the impression that they'll have to shoulder their own expenses in such a situation, but that's not always the case.
Your right to financial recovery in Alabama doesn't necessarily get extinguished if the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance coverage.
Firstly, it's important to highlight that Alabama law requires all drivers, including Uber drivers, to have at least liability insurance coverage. This type of insurance essentially covers the costs connected with injuries and property damage caused by the policyholder in an accident. Understanding these mandates can prove essential when involved in an Uber accident especially with an underinsured or uninsured driver.
One method of obtaining compensation comes through Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Alabama law mandates every automobile insurance policy to include UM coverage, except when the policyholder rejects the coverage in writing. It is designed to fill the gap by covering your damages when an uninsured driver is at fault.
Should you face an accident with an uninsured driver, you may file a claim under your own UM coverage. This policy seeks to compensate accident victims as if the at-fault party had the requisite liability insurance.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, on the other hand, offers financial protection when the at-fault party doesn't have enough insurance to cover your damages. If you opt for UIM coverage and your damages exceed the limit of the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, you can file a claim under your own UIM policy for the remaining amount.
Injured parties should note though, claims made under UIM can only proceed after the at-fault driver's insurance limits are exhausted.
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If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, or lacks sufficient coverage, it may be possible to sue them directly. While this can be a more lengthy and difficult process, it may result in you being awarded further damages in court. However, collecting the judgment can prove challenging, particularly if the at-fault party lacks the means to fulfill the judgment.
Navigating the tricky landscape of Alabama’s insurance laws can be daunting. It is essential, therefore, to have a seasoned personal injury lawyer, like Stephen Thompson, by your side. Legal counsel can assist not only in negotiating with the insurance companies, but also in exploring all the avenues to recover compensation for your losses.
Stephen Thompson's extensive knowledge and experience can prove invaluable in ensuring you understand all your options and rights. Committed to pursuing the best possible outcome, Stephen Thompson always goes the extra mile to represent Alabama Uber accident victims.
In conclusion, being involved in an Uber accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is not a dead end. Through Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage, and potentially suing the at-fault driver, victims can still pursue financial recovery. Having the right legal guidance to illuminate the path toward recovery makes all the difference. Reach out to Stephen Thompson, Alabama’s trusted personal injury lawyer, to guide you through this challenging journey.
All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.
During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:
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