Getting In An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver In Kentucky
Were you in a hit-and-run accident? Or did the driver who hit you have inadequate insurance coverage or no insurance at all? If so, you may still be able to obtain compensation for your losses, often from your own insurance provider.
In Kentucky, personal injury attorney T.J. Smith has more than 30 years of experience and has secured more than $250 million in compensation for car accident victims. He founded his firm, T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, in Louisville to protect the rights of injured clients.
Kentucky Insurance Laws For Drivers
In Kentucky, drivers are required to carry certain minimum levels of auto insurance to ensure they can cover damages in the event of an accident. The law mandates that you have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
Additionally, Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, which means that no matter who was at fault for a car accident, your own insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages. This is known as personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and it is required by law in Kentucky, with a minimum required amount of $10,000. This means that PIP coverage will cover up to the first $10,000 in medical bills after an accident. Driving without insurance required by law can result in fines, license suspension and increased premiums.
What Does Your Own Insurance Cover When You Get In An Accident With An Uninsured Driver?
If you find yourself in an accident with an uninsured driver, your own insurance policy can provide crucial protection. In Kentucky, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is optional but highly recommended. This coverage helps pay for your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
UM coverage acts as a safety net, stepping in when the other driver does not have insurance and cannot fulfill their financial responsibility. It is important to review your policy to understand the limits and scope of your UM coverage. Having this coverage can significantly ease the financial burden after an accident. Our underinsured accident lawyer can assist you in evaluating your policy and ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Do You Know If Your Insurance Policy Has An Underinsurance Rider?
In addition to UM coverage, your policy might also have an underinsurance rider, often called underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage provides additional financial protection when an at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. Having UIM coverage can make a significant difference in your ability to recover financially after an accident.
While UM coverage is required in Kentucky, UIM coverage is optional, although you have to specifically decline UIM coverage. specifically decline UIM insurance. If you did not do so when you last purchased auto insurance, you have UIM coverage.
To find out if you have this coverage, review your insurance policy documents, specifically the declarations page, which outlines all the coverages included in your policy. Look for a section labeled “Underinsured Motorist Coverage” or similar terms. If you’re unsure or need clarification, contact your insurance agent for assistance.
Getting The Compensation You Pay For And Deserve
However, just because you have adequate coverage doesn’t always mean that your provider will pay your claims. Just like when seeking compensation from another driver’s insurance company, your own provider may resist paying fair compensation to you. Remember, insurance companies do not make money when they actually have to pay out the compensation that you pay your premiums for.
Before you talk to any insurance company representative, our uninsured motorist attorney, T.J. Smith, can explain your rights and discuss what our law firm can do for you. He knows the tactics insurance companies use to limit payouts, and he knows how to go on the offensive against them.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Louisville Accident Attorney
We accept all of our personal injury cases on contingency. That means you will not owe attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. For a free consultation with an experienced personal attorney who has recovered more than $250 million in total compensation for his clients, contact us online or call our office in Louisville at 502-677-1429.