If you’ve been in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, the path to compensation can be complicated. As you fight with your insurance company or attempt to file a case on your own, your medical bills and other expenses keep piling up. That’s why you should turn to a Lake Tahoe uninsured motorist lawyer from Aaron Law Group. We can fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on getting your life back on track after a crash.
An uninsured motorist accident occurs when a driver without adequate liability insurance crashes into another vehicle or pedestrian. There are serious situations, as lacking appropriate coverage can mean accident victims can’t recover fair compensation for their injuries.
With an estimated 11.1% of Nevada motorists driving without insurance, uninsured motorist accidents are far more common than you’d think. Ideally, you’d file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage in Lake Tahoe. If not, you can still pursue damages against the liable driver, but it is increasingly difficult to recover what you truly need to be made whole again.
In Nevada, the state’s laws governing motor vehicle insurance are found in NRS 485.185. Typically, motorists must have liability coverage that includes $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage. If a driver’s policy covers less than this required amount, they’re considered underinsured. If they have no policy, they’re considered uninsured.
Drivers in Nevada can opt for additional coverage, including collision, comprehensive, and uninsured driver coverage. The state does not mandate motorists carry uninsured or underinsured policies, and you may be left with limited legal options if you don’t have this coverage. Keep in mind that your insurance company must offer uninsured motorist coverage, and you have to specifically deny it in writing if you don’t want to purchase it.
Despite minimum insurance coverage being required in Nevada, many drivers choose to go without insurance or with policies that don’t meet the legal requirement. In fact, 33.4% of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured or underinsured. There are many reasons why a driver may forgo the minimum insurance required in Nevada, including:
You don’t have a legal obligation to hire an uninsured motorist lawyer, but it’s ill-advised to take on the legal process on your own. Car accident cases are complex enough as is. Adding the challenge of an uninsured motorist makes a complicated case nearly impossible to win for someone without experience. However, attorneys know Nevada’s uninsured motorist laws. They can help you navigate the insurance claims and court processes necessary to get the compensation you need.
Aaron Law Group has decades of experience fighting for clients, helping them recover damages for car accidents. We’ve won numerous multi-million-dollar settlements for our clients, and our knowledge can be invaluable to your pursuit of compensation. As a law firm dedicated to helping our clients with compassionate legal representation, we’re eager to help you move on from your accident.
Yes, you can file a claim against your insurance company for an uninsured motorist accident, but it shouldn’t be your first course of action. Assuming you have uninsured motorist coverage, you’d file a claim with your insurance. If they deny your claim unlawfully or act in bad faith, you can file a case. Similarly, if you can prove they never offered you uninsured motorist coverage or that you never denied it in writing, you may also have a strong case.
Uninsured motorist coverage provides compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and time missed from work. You can also recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. Keep in mind that you cannot recover compensation if you were at fault, even if the other driver does not have insurance.
It is impossible to say what the average settlement is for a car accident in Nevada. There are far too many factors that go into these cases, with some being worth only a few thousand dollars and others settling for hundreds of thousands. More than that, settlement details are rarely available to the public, so it’s impossible to say what the average is for sure. Talk to your attorney to understand what your case might be worth.
Uninsured motorist cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to finally resolve. Some can even take over a year. The complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries factor into the timeline. Injuries, in particular, can cause the case to stall, as you may want to reach maximum medical improvement to better understand the long-term effects of your injuries.
After an accident with an uninsured motorist, consult with a personal injury attorney to learn about your options for pursuing compensation. You may already have uninsured motorist coverage in your policy, but it’s still wise to get an informed opinion. A Lake Tahoe uninsured motorist attorney from Aaron Law Group can review your case and guide you on the right path forward. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.