Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Alabama?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is optional in Alabama. Still, insurers must offer it to you. The choice is yours, and it’s an important decision. Estimates from the Insurance Information Institute suggest that around 17 percent of Alabama drivers lack auto insurance. If you don’t carry UM coverage, you could bear the full cost of a collision if an uninsured driver hits you.

The car accident lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law have represented many people harmed in uninsured motorist crashes and know the challenges injured victims face without UM coverage. We strongly encourage every driver who can afford it to purchase uninsured motorist coverage.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance provides financial protection if you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by a driver without car insurance. Without UM coverage, you could face paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering out of your pocket. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, it can help offset some of those costs.

Alabama law does not require you to buy UM coverage. Still, it requires insurance companies to offer it. So, your auto policy automatically includes UM coverage unless you sign a waiver rejecting it. You should have the coverage by default if you don’t submit a waiver.

Some policies also include underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your medical bills and other losses. Insurance companies often bundle these two coverages together to help policyholders save money.

What Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover?

Uninsured motorist insurance covers you when you get hurt by a hit-and-run driver or a driver with no insurance. It can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly vehicle damage (depending on the policy).

In Alabama, uninsured motorist coverage must meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. So, UM coverage must include at least $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person and up to $50,000 total per accident for physical injuries. You can buy higher limits for added protection.

How Do You File an Alabama Uninsured Motorist Claim?

The first thing to do after a car crash with an uninsured driver is to call the police and report what happened. Next, seek medical attention and ensure your doctor thoroughly documents your injuries. These steps form the foundation for your car accident claim. Here’s what to do next:

• Notify your auto insurance company promptly – Check your insurance policy to determine if there is a deadline for notifying the insurer of the crash. Even though the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own policy’s uninsured motorist coverage likely applies (if you have it). Stick to the basic facts. Don’t guess about fault or mention your injuries. Wait to talk to a lawyer first.
• Consult an Alabama car accident attorney at Gartlan Injury Law – A lawyer can review your policy, explain your legal options, and discuss potential next steps.
• Submit a formal claim – You must file a written car insurance claim under your UM policy. This step typically involves providing basic details about the crash, including the time, location, and how it occurred, as well as any information you have about the other driver. If you hire a lawyer, they can handle this process for you.
• Provide evidence – Your insurance company will need evidence, such as the police report, medical records, repair estimates, proof of lost wages, and other documentation illustrating your injuries and supporting your version of events. An attorney can gather the evidence necessary to build a persuasive car accident case while you heal.
• Negotiate a car accident settlement – Once the insurer reviews your claim and all supporting documents, they may offer a settlement. A car accident attorney can assess the offer and negotiate for an amount that reflects the full extent of your losses.
• File a car accident lawsuit, if needed – If your insurance company denies your UM claim or offers an unfair amount, you may need to file a car accident lawsuit to seek a more appropriate result. Alabama law allows you to take legal action against your insurer in these situations.

What Happens if You Do Not Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Are in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage and are hit by an uninsured driver, you’ll need to look for alternative ways to cover your losses. Your health insurance might help with your medical expenses. However, it won’t provide money for your lost income, loss of earning potential, disability accommodations, pain and suffering, or other accident-related damages you could have recovered in a personal injury claim.

Another option is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Collecting your money can be challenging in these situations, as many drivers choose not to buy auto insurance for a reason. If they have no assets or income to pay your expenses, recovering compensation may not be possible.

In some cases, you may be able to hold a third party responsible, such as a vehicle owner or the at-fault driver’s employer, if they were working when they hit you.

Unfortunately, many people without UM coverage pay out of pocket for at least some of their losses. Even those with coverage may still face out-of-pocket costs if their policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of their injuries and damages.

Remember, you’re financially exposed without UM coverage if the other driver can’t pay for your losses.

Is Uninsured Coverage Used in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage usually applies to hit-and-run accidents. You can’t file a claim against a driver who leaves the accident scene and cannot be found, so insurers treat hit-and-runs like car wrecks with uninsured motorists. If you receive an uninsured motorist payout and the at-fault driver is later found — and has auto insurance — your insurance provider may seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company. That process is called subrogation and typically doesn’t involve you.

Get Help from an Experienced Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

At Gartlan Injury Law, we understand the frustrations and challenges of auto accidents involving uninsured drivers. Let us help you make the most of your uninsured motorist coverage and seek compensation through every available source.

We always put our clients first. Check out our testimonials from past clients and see what they say about working with us to pursue maximum compensation. While our past results do not guarantee future outcomes, we stand ready to put our experience to work for you now.

Visit Our Alabama Car Accident Law Offices