Alabama Lawyers Handle Uninsured Motorist Accident Claims

Resourceful personal injury law firm pursues justice in Dothan and vicinity

Alabama law requires motorists to carry liability insurance to compensate accident victims. Unfortunately, too many motorists violate the statute. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 19.5 percent of Alabama drivers did not have insurance in 2019, making Alabama the seventh worst state for insurance noncompliance. If you have been hit and injured by an uninsured driver, you may think you have no recourse, but there are viable paths to full compensation. An Alabama uninsured motorist accident lawyer at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan can assert your rights and fight for optimum results.

How often are motorists uninsured?

As the state’s uninsured motorist rate exceeds the national average of 12.6 percent, there is an increased chance that the liable driver in your case will lack the coverage to pay your claim. You should also keep in mind that many motorists will only purchase the statutory minimum level of insurance, which in Alabama is:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury liability when two or more people are injured
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

These levels will cover minor injuries and damage to some cars, but they will not cover serious injuries or replace a late model vehicle. So, your chances of being in an auto accident in Alabama where the at-fault driver’s insurance will not cover your losses is considerable.                    

What should a victim do following an accident with an uninsured motorist?

Your auto insurance policy must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This means that when an uninsured motorist cannot cover your losses, your own insurer must indemnify you. Despite years of paying premiums, your insurer might be reluctant to provide the payment you are owed. That’s why it’s imperative that you contact an auto accident attorney in Houston County, AL in order to gain an informed perspective on your case.

What happens after an accident with an uninsured motorist?                         

Though Alabama law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, the penalties are relatively minor unless there are extenuating circumstances. At most, someone operating a vehicle without sufficient insurance can receive a fine of $500 to $1,000, a driver's license suspension of 180 days and three to six months of jail time. These are not inconsequential penalties, but they are cold comfort for the victim of the accident, who deserves to be made whole. The at-fault driver is not necessarily off the hook for your injuries; if the driver has assets like a home or savings, you can attach that property after getting a court judgment for accident-related damages.

Are hit-and-run accidents covered by UM?

Yes. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident and you cannot identify the person who struck you, your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for your losses up to the limits of your policy.                                                

Compensation from an uninsured motorist claim

Your health insurance may cover your physical injuries following an accident, but there are other types of harm that medical coverage does not address. You might miss work and lose income. Moreover, the physical pain and mental anguish you have suffered are compensable losses. Usually, there is also significant property damage following a collision. Fortunately, your UM coverage is designed to address these claims. However, pain and suffering are not tangible losses for which you can submit receipts. To get the full value of these losses, you can rely on an experienced injury attorney at our firm.         

Contact a knowledgeable Alabama attorney regarding your uninsured motorist claim

Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan represents victims of Alabama vehicle crashes caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists. Call [855-435-4797 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We make home and hospital visits.