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Collision with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

Dealing with the fallout of a car accident in New Jersey is typically a stressful and emotionally draining process, particularly if you sustained serious injuries during the collision. You fully expect that the other driver’s insurance will cover all of your losses, but this isn’t always the case. New Jersey uninsured/underinsured motorist lawsuits are a complicated area of law, and you need an attorney with a history of handling these types of cases. They can work with the insurance companies to make them pay you the money you need to get back on track.

Liability insurance is a requirement for anyone who wants to operate a motor vehicle in the state of New Jersey. Though some drivers may choose to buy a policy that covers collision repairs, theft, natural disasters or other losses, all drivers must maintain a minimum level of liability insurance as defined by the state.

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Uninsured Driver Accidents

Uninsured motorist accidents are collisions in which the other party has no insurance at all. State law does provide some protection for drivers involved in these types of accidents. All insurance policies for private vehicles sold in the state must include uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum amount of coverage offered is up to $15,000 per person and up to $30,000 per car accident. Higher coverage amounts are available.

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Underinsured Driver Accidents

In this type of accident, the other driver does have some insurance coverage. However, it is not enough to cover all the losses you incurred because of the auto accident. Underinsured motorist coverage is available with most policies. Although not mandatory, it is a good idea to purchase it in case you are ever in a serious accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance coverage.

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Driving With Little or No Insurance in New Jersey

When drivers go out on the road without insurance, they are making a very unwise decision. Even a minor New Jersey car accident can cost a considerable amount if the driver damages property or injures someone. They will also face fines, a suspended driver’s license and possibly jail time. While it is clear that uninsured drivers are acting irresponsibly with their own lives, they pose a risk to everyone on the road. An uninsured driver does not have a clear way to compensate victims if they cause a crash. This can leave others with staggering medical costs with no promise of restitution.

New Jersey has instituted a program that allows drivers to purchase low cost insurance, but it offers less protection than regular insurance. This basic policy covers property damage and personal injury for the driver, but does not protect drivers from claims against them arising from the auto accident they caused. If a driver insured with this type of policy hits you or your car, they might not be able to pay for damages, especially if they include expensive medical bills. This is an underinsured driver. Your insurance policy may be required to protect you from this, but even then, there might not be sufficient funds to cover all of your expenses.

You need an auto insurance attorney who will pursue financial compensation in all possible ways and will not hesitate to investigate all possible sources. Your insurance company may try to deny your claim for compensation for damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, but they are looking out for their bottom line and not your well-being.

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Consulting a NJ Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney

Those involved in uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents need to prove that the other driver was at fault to collect maximum damages. If the claimant was comparatively negligent, the amount of the award can be much lower. A lawyer will present your case to the other party’s insurance company and, typically, several arbitrators who will help decide whether there was negligence involved and determine the amount of the settlement. It is crucial that your case be as strong as possible, which is why enlisting the help of an experienced uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorney is one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights. Contact the NJ personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. at (609) 240-0040 to find out how they can help if you’ve been involved in this type of accident.

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Additional Information

• Auto Insurance – The State of New Jersey

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