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Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Alabama

By: Fred Moore | Feb 20, 2024

Although Alabama law requires every driver to have liability insurance, nearly 20% of motorists in the state are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). For more than 38 years, the car accident attorneys at Moore Law Firm have helped personal injury victims in Mobile, AL, and the surrounding area recover compensation for damages after a crash. Our personal injury attorneys understand the grave consequences of being hurt in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. We explain why it’s crucial to carry uninsured motorist coverage.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a type of insurance that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) can also be a lifesaver when an at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover all your damages. Without UM/UIM coverage, you may find yourself in an untenable financial situation if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Alabama Auto Insurance Requirements

Alabama requires motorists to obtain liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage. The minimum coverage is 25/50/25, which means it must cover $25,000 for the injury or death of one person, $50,000 for the death or injury of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.

Unless you specifically waive it in writing, the state mandates that each auto insurance policy in Alabama includes a minimum amount of $25,000 in UM/UIM coverage. Waiving this valuable coverage altogether can be a grave mistake if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver. You should consider purchasing more than just the minimum – underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is surprisingly affordable. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your family are protected is well worth the cost.

What’s Covered by Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

Typically, uninsured motorist coverage pays for medical treatment for you and any injured passengers. It also may cover lost wages and pain and suffering. Although it’s possible to sue an at-fault driver for damages, someone who is uninsured or underinsured isn’t likely to have the resources to pay any judgment you may be awarded.

Being hurt in a car accident with an uninsured driver can wreak havoc on your physical, mental, and financial health. In some cases, an injured victim may require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, ongoing nursing care, and other costly medical treatment that goes well beyond the $25,000 minimum. Being unable to work also can put you and your family in a precarious financial situation. That’s why car accident lawyers in Alabama recommend purchasing as much UM/UIM coverage as you can afford.

If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident and you’re unsure about how to use your underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, a car accident attorney at Moore Law Firm can help you understand your options for recovering compensation.

What Is Stacking Coverage?

Under Alabama law, you can “stack” UM/UIM coverage on up to three vehicles. For example, if your auto insurance policy provides $25,000 in UM bodily injury coverage for three family vehicles, you could multiply the $25,000 by three, giving you a total of $75,000 in uninsured motorist coverage.

Underinsured and uninsured motorist claims can be complex, and stacking can make them even more challenging. Having a car accident attorney help you with your UI/UIM claim can help to ensure you get the full amount of benefits and compensation you may be entitled to receive. A personal injury lawyer can review all insurance options available for possible compensation and advise you on the best course of action to take.

Why Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

It’s important to understand that even your own insurance company doesn’t always have your best interests in mind. If you file an underinsured or uninsured motorist claim, your insurance company may try to offer a minimal payout, which may not even cover all your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. The car accident lawyers at Moore Law Firm are familiar with these types of tactics. We fight to help you recover the full and fair amount of compensation you need and deserve to protect your health and family’s financial security.

Although you need to report the crash to your insurance company, do not sign anything or accept a settlement without speaking to an auto accident attorney in Mobile first. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can ensure your interests are protected. A car accident lawyer at Moore Law Firm can evaluate your case, investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, pursue all potential sources of compensation, and provide the compassionate, tenacious legal support you need to get through tough times.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Mobile, Alabama

At Moore Law Firm, we care about you and your family. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and putting our decades of legal experience to work for you. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash and you need assistance with filing a claim or understanding uninsured motorist coverage in the Mobile, Alabama, area, contact us, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch.