Virginia Uninsured Motorist Attorney

Injured in a Crash Caused by an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist in VA?

Car accidents are stressful enough, but dealing with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured can add another layer of complexity. In Virginia, uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM and UIM) coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance. At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, our experienced team of Virginia uninsured motorist accident lawyers can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

Get in touch with our legal team today for a free consultation; call (571) 486-4798 or contact us online today.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Virginia?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a type of auto insurance designed to protect you when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. In Virginia, while drivers are required by law to carry auto insurance, many still choose to drive without coverage, putting responsible drivers at risk.

UM coverage steps in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. Virginia law requires that all auto insurance policies include UM coverage, ensuring that if you are injured by an uninsured driver, you aren’t left to cover the costs on your own.

This type of coverage also applies in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, UM coverage can help cover the expenses associated with your injuries and vehicle damage.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is similar to UM coverage but applies when the at-fault driver has insurance that isn’t sufficient to cover your losses. In some cases, the minimum liability coverage carried by a driver may not be enough to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, especially if your injuries are severe.

UIM coverage will pay the difference between the at-fault driver’s insurance limit and the total damages you’ve incurred. For instance, if the at-fault driver has a liability limit of $25,000, but your total damages amount to $50,000, UIM coverage would help cover the remaining $25,000.

Both UM and UIM coverage are critical in Virginia, where many drivers carry only the state-required minimum insurance, which may not be enough to fully compensate you for serious injuries.

The Benefits of UM & UIM Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers several key benefits to drivers in Virginia. These benefits can make a significant difference in your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident. Some of the main advantages include:

• Financial Protection: UM and UIM coverage ensure that you are not left with crippling medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repair costs in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have UM and UIM coverage means that you can drive with peace of mind, knowing that even if you are hit by an uninsured driver, you will still have access to compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Hit-and-Run Coverage: UM coverage applies in hit-and-run cases, ensuring that even if the responsible driver flees the scene, you won’t be left paying out of pocket for damages.
• Coverage for Serious Injuries: In cases where injuries are severe and the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, UIM coverage can help bridge the gap and ensure that your medical needs are fully covered.
• Protection for Passengers: UM and UIM coverage also extend to passengers in your vehicle, providing protection for your loved ones in the event of an accident.

What If I Don’t Have UM and UIM Coverage in Virginia?

Although UM and UIM coverage are required by Virginia law, there are circumstances where drivers may waive this coverage, such as choosing to pay the state's uninsured motor vehicle fee instead of purchasing insurance. However, driving without proper coverage puts you and your passengers at serious financial risk in the event of an accident.

Without UM and UIM coverage, you would be forced to rely on the personal assets of the uninsured or underinsured driver to recover compensation, which is often an unlikely scenario. Additionally, if the driver is financially insolvent or can’t be located (in the case of a hit-and-run), you could end up paying out of pocket for your medical expenses and other damages. This is why having UM and UIM coverage is so important—it provides a safety net when the other party cannot meet their financial obligations.

If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver and don’t have UM or UIM coverage, Rowe Weinstein & Sohn can help you explore other avenues for compensation, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit.

How Rowe Weinstein & Sohn Can Help You with UM & UIM Claims

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, we understand the complexities of uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Our Virginia uninsured motorist accident lawyers have extensive experience helping clients recover compensation through their own insurance policies, and we are dedicated to ensuring that insurance companies fulfill their obligations.

When dealing with UM or UIM claims, you might face resistance from your own insurance company, which may try to minimize or deny your claim to protect their bottom line. Our team will aggressively advocate for your rights, gather the necessary evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact us today at (571) 486-4798 to discuss your legal options with our team.