An Experienced Spokane Personal Injury Lawyer Explains Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Washington State

As experienced car accident lawyers can attest, navigating the roads in and around Spokane, Washington requires more than good driving skills. It also demands a thorough understanding of the intricacies of your car insurance coverage. With over 21% of drivers in the state lacking insurance, equipping yourself with knowledge about uninsured motorist coverage in Washington State can safeguard your financial future in the event of a car accident.

Washington mandates minimum insurance requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident, yet these amounts often fall short when accidents cause serious injuries. In this blog, the knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Albrecht Law Firm explore the nuances of these insurance coverages and explain how they can protect you against the unexpected.

Every car accident lawyer at our firm acknowledges the prevalence of car accident claims. That’s why understanding the full scope of your insurance options isn’t just a wise financial decision—it’s a vital step towards peace of mind on the road.

Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (509) 495-1246 to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County.

The state requires these minimums to ensure that drivers can cover the costs of damages or injuries they may cause in an accident.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage/UM Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UM coverage, is a type of car insurance that provides protection for you and your passengers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the uninsured driver up to the limits of your policy.

Why Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

According to the Insurance Research Council, around 21.7% of drivers in Washington State do not have auto insurance, placing Washington among the states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists. If you get into a car accident with one of these drivers and they are at fault, most likely they will not have enough money to cover your damages. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you may be left to pay for these expenses out of your own pocket.

A Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Explains Why Some Drivers Might Choose Only the Mandatory Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

As experienced car accident lawyers know from representing clients in car accident cases, there are numerous reasons why motor vehicle drivers in Washington might only choose the mandatory minimum car insurance required.

Financial Constraints: For many individuals and families, the cost of car insurance can be a significant burden. By choosing the minimum required coverage, drivers can reduce their monthly premiums and manage their budgets more effectively.

Perceived Risk: Some drivers may assess their own driving habits and environment as low-risk. They might believe that they are cautious drivers who rarely travel in high-traffic areas or that they live in regions with low accident rates. As a result, they might perceive the likelihood of being involved in a costly accident as minimal, prompting them to opt for the lowest coverage necessary.

Understanding of Insurance Benefits: Some drivers might not fully grasp how additional coverage can protect them in cases of severe car accidents and serious injury or extensive property damage. They might view the additional premiums for higher coverage as unnecessary, especially if they have not experienced an accident before.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks: While choosing the minimum coverage can provide immediate financial relief, it also carries significant risks. In the event of a serious auto accident, the coverage might be insufficient to cover all medical expenses, ongoing medical care, legal fees, or property damage. Such a case could render the driver the liable party for the remaining costs, potentially leading to financial hardship. Additionally, minimum coverage might not offer protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists, leaving drivers vulnerable if they are hit by someone without adequate insurance.

Ultimately, while the decision to opt for minimum coverage might make sense in the short term for financial or perceived risk reasons, drivers should consider the potential long-term financial consequences of being underinsured.

A Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Explains the Potential Problems Associated with Choosing Only the Mandatory Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Washington

The seasoned car accident attorneys at Albrecht Law have helped countless clients pursue compensation following car accidents with drivers who either have no insurance or inadequate insurance. In our experience, selecting the mandatory minimum required by law can lead to the following problems.

Financial Vulnerability: The minimum coverage may not be sufficient to cover all expenses in the event of a serious accident. If the damages exceed the insurance limits, the driver would be personally responsible for paying the remaining costs, which could include medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal fees. This financial burden can be overwhelming and lead to significant debt or even bankruptcy.

Risk of Being Underinsured: Minimum coverage might not fully protect against liability claims. In accidents involving multiple vehicles or severe injuries, the costs can quickly surpass the coverage limits, leaving the policyholder underinsured. This situation can result in lawsuits from other parties involved, where the liable party could be the driver for amounts beyond their coverage.

Lack of Coverage for Uninsured Motorist Accidents: Minimum policies generally do not include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance, the policyholder may have to cover their own medical and repair costs. This absence of coverage can leave drivers in a precarious financial position if they are not at fault but still have to bear the expenses.

Significant Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Legal Liabilities: Relying on minimum coverage can lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses and legal liabilities. In addition to the direct financial costs, the stress and time associated with handling these issues can be considerable. Legal battles can be lengthy and costly, further complicating the financial impact of an accident.

Considering these potential issues, our car accident lawyers recommend evaluating your insurance needs carefully and considering higher coverage limits. While higher premiums may seem like an extra expense, they can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of a serious car accident.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in Washington?

While Washington law requires minimum car insurance, it does not mandate uninsured motorist coverage. However, as a car accident lawyer can tell you from experience, drivers should consider this additional coverage for their own protection and peace of mind. Ultimately, every driver must carefully evaluate their insurance needs and choose a policy that offers adequate protection based on their individual circumstances.

An experienced lawyer understands that choosing only minimum car insurance coverage in Washington may seem like a cost-effective decision in the short term. However, it can result in significant financial vulnerability and legal liabilities in the long run. Therefore, individuals should carefully evaluate their insurance needs and consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to their policy for added protection and peace of mind.

A car accident attorney knows that accidents can happen at any time. Opting for comprehensive coverage can provide you with invaluable financial security in case of an unforeseen accident.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage/UIM Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage is similar to uninsured motorist coverage, but it applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance policy does not have enough coverage to fully compensate you for your damages. This can happen if the other driver only has minimum liability coverage or if they have let their coverage lapse. Underinsured motorist coverage will kick in to cover the remaining expenses, up to the limits of your policy.

While underinsured motorist coverage is not required by law in Washington, it can provide valuable protection for you and your loved ones.

How Much Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Should You Have?

The amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage you need depends on your individual circumstances. Generally, a personal injury lawyer recommends having at least the same amount of coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists as you do for liability insurance. It is also a good idea to regularly review your policy limits and adjust them if necessary to ensure adequate protection.

What Happens if the Person is at Fault in an Accident and Has No Insurance in Washington?

If you are involved in a car accident and the other driver is at fault, you have the right to seek full and fair compensation for your damages, which can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earning capacity

When you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages, most of the time insurance companies will handle your insurance claim through negotiations or possibly mediation. However, an attorney experienced in personal injury law can attest, if an agreement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

However, if the person at fault in the accident does not have insurance, there is a risk you might not receive compensation for medical bills, car repairs, or other damages, leaving you to cover these costs out of pocket. This is where uninsured motorist coverage can provide a safety net, by allowing you to claim damages up to your policy limits.

An Experienced Attorney Explains What to Do Right After a Car Wreck in and around Spokane, Washington

From handling countless personal injury cases for clients harmed in car accidents, each personal injury attorney from Albrecht Law Firm recognizes the importance of taking the following steps in the immediate aftermath of a car accident.

• Gather Information: get the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. You will want to obtain the name of the other driver’s insurance company and their policy.
• Gather evidence: Collect evidence by taking photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved.
• Obtain a copy of the police report: Police reports contain critical details about the accident that can be helpful for your case.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured immediately after a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible because some injuries may not manifest until hours or even days later. Documentation from a medical professional about your injuries, treatment, and medical bills can strengthen your personal injury claim.
• Consult a Car Accident Attorney with Extensive Experience: After a car accident, you need a fierce advocate who understands the legal system to listen to the details of your case, evaluate the harm caused, explain your legal options, and strategize an approach to pursuing the compensation you need.  With your best interests in mind, your attorney will seek financial awards and pursue insurance claims to level the playing field and enable you to focus on your recovery.

You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers. At Albrecht Law, You are Known

Have you or a beloved family member experienced an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver? The automobile injury attorneys at Albrecht Law understand you could be feeling overwhelmed by your injuries and mounting medical bills as you contemplate the best way to seek compensation with a personal injury claim. That’s why we offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, help you understand your rights, and guide you through the process.

Don’t wait to speak to a car crash attorney and start your journey toward justice and financial protection through the pursuit of full and fair compensation. Contact Albrecht Law today at (509) 495-1246 or complete our online form.

We proudly serve clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

Copyright © 2024. Albrecht Law PLLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave Ste 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/