What to Know When You’re Injured by an Underinsured Driver in AL

After an accident, victims often deal with painful injuries, piles of medical bills, and uncertainty about what the future holds. The stress can be even more overwhelming when the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay all your damages. At Moore Law Firm, our car accident attorneys in Mobile, Alabama can guide you through the complexities of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims and help you find a path toward the justice and compensation you deserve.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Alabama

In Alabama, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance (currently $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage). However, UM/UIM coverage is not required and must be specifically accepted or rejected by the policyholder. Unfortunately, encountering an uninsured motorist is all too common in Alabama. According to the Insurance Information Institute (iii), nearly 17% of Alabama drivers were uninsured in 2023. That’s why our Mobile accident lawyers recommend adding UM/UIM coverage to your policy.

For an extra layer of protection, most personal injury lawyers recommend carrying MedPay coverage as well. Paying a few extra dollars a month is well worth protecting your health and finances in the event of a crash with an uninsured motorist.

When Can I Use UM/UIM Coverage?

Uninsured (UM) – When at at-fault driver has no auto insurance or you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer to cover damages like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death.

Underinsured (UIM) – If the negligent motorist has insurance but the policy limits are minimal, your underinsured motorist coverage can fill the gap to pay for damages.

Essentially, UM/UIM coverage takes the place of a negligent driver’s liability insurance. It’s important to note that you may be able to use your UM/UIM coverage if you’re injured as a bicyclist or pedestrian. Coverage also extends to passengers who were in your vehicle at the time of the crash.

How Much Can I Get from an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

The amount of compensation you may receive in an uninsured motorist claim is determined by the specific circumstances of your case, including the extent of your injuries, how they have affected your life, the amount of property damage, and your auto policy limits.

Our accident attorneys in Mobile may be able to help you recover damages such as:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident with an uninsured driver, UM coverage may provide compensation for funeral and burial costs and loss of financial contribution. An accident lawyer in Mobile can evaluate your case and advise you on the best way to move forward.

Alabama’s Strict Contributory Negligence Law

Another critical factor that affects car accident claims in Alabama is the contributory negligence rule. Whether you’re bringing a claim against another driver or using your own UM/UIM coverage, if you are found to be even 1% at fault you may be completely barred from recovering any damages at all.

Insurers Use This Rule to Avoid Paying Claims

Unfortunately, your own insurance company isn’t really on your side and may try to shift blame to avoid paying your claim. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, it’s essential to speak to an accident lawyer in Mobile before giving a statement, signing anything, or accepting a settlement, even from your own insurer.

Your words can be easily twisted and used to claim you were partially or fully at fault. Our Mobile accident attorneys meticulously investigate the crash, gather evidence, and often work with accident reconstructionists to prove that an uninsured driver was 100% negligent. We know how to demonstrate the full scope of your damages and negotiate voraciously on your behalf. If a reasonable settlement isn’t in the cards, we’ll prepare your case for trial.

Why You Need an Alabama Accident Attorney for Your UM/UIM Claim

Many injured victims assume that they can trust their insurance company and believe they’re on the same team. The reality is that when you file a car accident claim, their main priority is to pay out as little as possible, regardless of the circumstances.

Our accident attorneys in Mobile have more than 40 years of experience with local courts, judges, and insurance adjusters who handle UM/UIM claims in Alabama. We’re familiar with their tactics and know how to counter them effectively. They know we don’t back down and fight to help our clients get fair compensation.

Compassionate, Affordable Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at the hands of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you don’t have to face it alone. Our caring team at Moore Law Firm handles the complex legal aspects of your claim so you don’t have to.

Our personal injury lawyers believe that every victim deserves quality representation. That’s why we take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t incur any upfront costs and we get paid only if we recover compensation for you.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Mobile, AL

If you’ve been hurt in a crash with an uninsured driver, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Call 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch with a car accident injury lawyer near you in Alabama. Our personal injury lawyers at Moore Law Firm serve clients in Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Saraland and surrounding communities.