Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Truck Drivers
Victims of accidents with uninsured motorists can suffer far beyond the original injuries. If a motorist hits you and is uninsured, then you may be left with a mountain of medical bills, physical and emotional trauma and wrecked vehicle. If that driver has no insurance, they may have no way of compensating you for the damages you incurred and you may be stuck with a financial burden through no fault of your own.
Thankfully, uninsured motorist coverage is available through some insurance companies. If you are a professional truck driver, you will be surrounded by all types of drivers and this may be a way t prepare for a possible situation.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Entail?
The coverage is an insurance premium that protects you if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. There are a few characteristics of an uninsured driver besides someone who has no insurance at all.
- The auto insurance premium of the motorist does not meet the state standard of minimum liability.
- The motorist’s insurance company denied their accident claim and therefore cannot pay for the damages of the claimant.
- A motorist who hits and runs: essentially their identity or location are unknown after the accident.
What Injuries are Covered by the Premium
- You are covered when you operate a motor vehicle on your policy.
- When you are riding or operating a vehicle not listed on the insurance policy.
- If an uninsured motorist hurt you as a pedestrian.
- If one of your relatives on the insurance policy is in an accident with a driver who is uninsured.
- Passengers in your vehicle are covered if you are in an accident, even if it isn’t your car.
Keep in Mind…
You may want to pursue a claim against an uninsured motorist if you have sustained injuries. However, you should consider a few factors:
- There may be no reason to pursue the claim at all. It is likely that if the motorist is uninsured, they may not have the funds to compensate you for your injuries either. Contact a truck accident lawyer, your company’s insurance provider and your employer to notify them of the situation.
- You should do all this immediately to avoid getting your claim thrown out because you missed the deadline to report it. Usually you have thirty days to consult a lawyer and the insurance company.
- You don’t necessarily have to speak with a lawyer, but it can be beneficial to you if you have suffered severe injuries or have excessive medical bills. This could be especially important in the case of an uninsured driver in order to pursue damages.
If you are a truck driver and you have been involved in an incident with an uninsured motorist, it may be time to seek legal advice. Don’t forget that there may be a statute of limitations regarding this type of accident and to report it immediately if possible. Moving forward, contact a truck accident lawyer for a consultation about your particular case. A trucking accident lawyer relies on can help you determine if you have a strong case, help you gather evidence, and help you communicate with the insurance companies.