Coconino County Uninsured & Underinsured Car Accident Lawyer

Coconino County Uninsured & Underinsured Car Accident Attorney

When you’re in a car accident, and the other driver doesn’t have insurance to cover all the damage or injuries, the financial consequences become your problem. A consultation with an experienced Coconino County uninsured and underinsured car accident lawyer at The Kaiser Law Group can help you recover the compensation you need to get back on the right track.

With over 35 years of experience, we see the negative effects of uninsured and underinsured drivers all too often, and we know how to negotiate fiercely with insurance companies and opposing counsel. The Kaiser Law Group approaches each case with a strategy in mind, and while we may be able to resolve the issue without a trial, we are always prepared to go to court if that’s what’s needed to protect our client’s rights and interests.

Arizona Car Insurance Requirements

In Arizona, all drivers are required to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage on their passenger vehicles so that in the event of an accident, the costs of property damage and injuries will be covered. This protects a victim from bearing the financial responsibility of an accident that’s someone else’s fault. As of July 2020, the following minimum coverage is required in Arizona:

• $25,000 for one person for injuries
• $50,000 total per accident for injuries
• $15,000 per accident for others’ property damage

Accidents With Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers

The state-required minimum insurance coverage isn’t always enough. For example, a policy with minimum coverage will only pay $15,000. If the cost to repair the damage to a vehicle is $20,000, the driver of the damaged vehicle will be responsible for paying the remaining $5,000, even if they were not assigned any fault in the accident. This can create a serious financial burden at an already stressful time.

However, when you’re in a car accident, and the other driver doesn’t have adequate car insurance, your insurance carrier may cover any damages if your policy has the correct coverage. This would include collision or comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you’re in an accident where an uninsured or underinsured driver is assigned fault, your policy may cover the difference in your repairs and injuries.

Uninsured Driver Coverage

Since this kind of insurance can be expensive and is not required by the state, not every driver has it. In addition, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is set at the same limit as the rest of your policy. So, if you also have minimum coverage, your insurance will only pay an additional $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries.

Not only do you want coverage in case the other driver in an accident doesn’t have high enough limits, but you want to make sure your policy has limits high enough to protect you from being the under-insured driver in an accident. Check with your insurance agent to see if you need to raise the limits on your policy, and check in with them again when it’s time to renew. A few extra dollars a month could save you a huge financial strain in the future.

When You Don’t Know What to Do

If you’ve been in an accident and the insurance isn’t enough to cover all the damages, a qualified attorney can help you explore your legal options for compensation, navigate the claims process, and negotiate with the insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. If necessary, your lawyer can file a legal claim and represent you at trial to maximize your chances of recovering damages for your injuries and property damage.

FAQs

Q: Is It Worth It to File a Claim Against an Uninsured Motorist?

A: Many drivers who do not have car insurance are in that position because they can’t afford the insurance premiums. When that is true, they will likely also not be able to pay damages. However, if that is the case, there may be other options to recover damages in many circumstances, and an experienced attorney can help you explore your options.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Underinsured Claims in Arizona?

A: The statute of limitations for uninsured claims in Arizona is three years from the date of the accident. However, in some situations, you may still be able to take action after that. For example, if you submit a claim to the other driver’s insurance company and it takes them a year to notify you that the driver didn’t have adequate insurance, the three years starts at that time.

Q: How Does UIM Work in Arizona?

A: Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) pays for bodily injuries not covered when the other driver does not have insurance, but the policy doesn’t pay the full amount needed. In Arizona, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage does not usually pay for vehicle or other property damage, so check with your insurance carrier to see if you need additional coverage.

Q: What Happens If the Person at Fault in an Accident Has No Insurance in Arizona?

A: If the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Arizona, the state may suspend their driver’s license, registration, and license plates and impose fees and fines, depending on whether they have prior uninsured accidents. They will also be required to submit a form proving they have coverage.

The Kaiser Law Group Can Help

At The Kaiser Law Group, we understand how car accidents can be an unexpected burden on victims. Being in an accident, even if it’s minor, can create huge problems in your life. When insurance doesn’t cover all the damages, figuring out how to pay the medical bills and car repairs can be a massive strain, financially and mentally. We take the time to really listen so you can focus on getting life back to normal.

If you’ve been in an accident and the insurance isn’t adequate for the damages, we can use our extensive knowledge of all the possible ways to recover damages to help you figure out what your options and next steps are. You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact our office today to get started.