Despite West Virginia’s mandatory insurance laws, many drivers still operate without proper coverage, leaving victims in a challenging position after an accident. If you have been in a collision with an uninsured motorist in Charleston, there are several options available to you for recovering compensation.
Options for Compensation after an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
West Virginia law requires insurance companies to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in auto insurance policies. Your UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured or in cases of hit-and-run accidents. This coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, up to the limits of your policy.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage, while optional, helps pay for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. Though it does not cover medical expenses, it can help repair your vehicle, but you will be responsible for the deductible.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
MedPay is another optional coverage that can assist with medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. This coverage can be beneficial if you have high deductibles or co-pays with your health insurance, or if you lack health insurance altogether.
Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, it can help pay for medical expenses after the accident, covering any gaps left by auto insurance policies.
Suing the Uninsured Driver
In some situations, you may consider suing the uninsured driver directly for damages. However, this can be difficult if the driver lacks the financial resources to pay a legal judgment, making recovery unlikely.
Other Parties’ Liability
In some cases, other parties could share responsibility for the accident. This could include vehicle manufacturers (in the case of a defect) or government entities responsible for road maintenance. A skilled car accident attorney can investigate these possibilities to uncover additional compensation sources.
How a Charleston, WV Uninsured Motorist Attorney Can Help
An uninsured motorist lawyer in Charleston will thoroughly review your insurance policies to identify any coverage applicable to your situation. Since the state required minimum for UM/UIM is $20,000, it may not be enough to pay for your expenses unless you increased your coverage. However, a personal injury attorney can explore other potential sources of compensation beyond your insurance coverage, which may include identifying other liable parties.
Your uninsured motorist attorney can also work with healthcare providers to reduce your medical bills, especially if your compensation is limited. They will handle all negotiations with your insurance company to reach a fair settlement and, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Even if the driver lacks insurance, your lawyer will explore all avenues for recovering compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal process.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, do not face this difficult situation alone. Contact Tiano O’Dell to speak with our Charleston Uninsured Motorist Lawyer, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (304) 720-6700 or message us online to arrange a free consultation day.