Have you been in a car accident with an uninsured motorist? Do you think you are out of luck when it comes to collecting damages for your vehicle or medical bills? Actually, the Utah Uninsured Motorist Fund allows the injured party to file a claim for damages, which is then paid out by the state-run insurance fund. Do not give up on your uninsured motorist claims; call us at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center to recover the compensation to which you are entitled.
Next Steps
If you are in a motor collision with an uninsured driver, call the police immediately. Before you even stop, try to get the license plate number and the vehicle and driver description to report to the 911 operator. It is not uncommon for uninsured drivers to leave the scene of the accident. A police officer will respond and compile a report. The other party is subject to criminal penalties and substantial fines. They may be detained on the spot and the driver will obtain their personal contact information. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle involved, get names of passengers and potential witnesses and write down exactly what happened in your own words while it is fresh in your mind. These details will prove beneficial when you file a complaint.
Most basic car insurance policies provide basic uninsured motorist coverage to insured parties. This means in the event of an accident, your insurance company will pay your claim. Even if you waived uninsured motorist coverage, you may still seek compensation with the State of Utah. Statute 31A-22-305, recently amended in May 2020, provides compensation to plaintiffs if bodily injury, illness, or fatality occurred as a result of the uninsured driver’s negligence. Utah Code Ann. § 31A-22-405 (2020).
At a bare minimum, all motorists are required to maintain $15,000 in coverage for property damage and $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury. The Utah State fund provides monetary relief to claimants for medical bills, ongoing care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you do have a policy encompassing uninsured motorist events, your insurer should pay you a sum for property damage sustained. It is possible your insurer will launch an investigation to determine the identity of a phantom driver or bring suit against the uninsured to pay out the claim. You can also apply for the uninsured motorist fund if the other negligent driver was underinsured or let their coverage lapse. If you are struggling obtaining assistance or claim coverage from your own subrogator, we can work with you to ensure you are treated fairly and can focus on recovery, not battling with insurance adjusters. Be sure to schedule a consultation, because the statute of limitations to file a claim bars recovery three years after the occurrence.
Call Our Attorneys for Assistance
If you or a loved one was recently involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, call our attorneys at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center as soon as possible. Do not delay seeking medical treatment. You do not have to foot the bill for someone else’s negligence and criminal behavior. We will help you recover the damages you are entitled to and seek justice on your behalf.
