Phoenix Lawyers Handling Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Claims
Reliable legal assistance in obtaining the uninsured motorist benefits you need
Even though it is considered an optional coverage (like Med-Pay or PIP), uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is always a safe bet when you consider the benefits it can provide after an accident, including compensation for damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. For these reasons and more, it is always a good idea to purchase as much UM/UIM coverage as you can afford, up to the maximum allowed (which is an amount equal to the amount of liability insurance you purchased). In fact, Arizona law requires insurers to obtain a waiver from anyone who rejects UM/UIM coverage or who chooses an amount that is less than his or her liability coverage.
But what if you did purchase UM/UIM coverage with your automobile policy, and now your insurance company refuses to pay?
If this is the situation you’re faced with today, the knowledgeable Phoenix uninsured motorist attorneys of Plattner Verderame, P.C can help you to obtain the coverage benefits to which you’re entitled under the terms of your insurance contract. Don’t hesitate to secure representation. Timeliness is important when instituting an insurance claim. In addition, the procedures for filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim are often very complicated. This makes it easy to make a mistake, which could lead to a valid denial of coverage.
Helping Arizona victims secure compensation when hit by uninsured motorists
Every day, millions of people choose to travel the roadways without automobile insurance (uninsured) or with inadequate levels of insurance (underinsured). According to a report on CarInsurance.com, Arizona ranks 29th in the country of states with uninsured or underinsured drivers, with more than 10% of our drivers operating vehicles without insurance. These numbers are extremely troubling, and they exemplify the importance of purchasing and maintaining UM/UIM auto insurance.
The purpose of insurance is to provide compensation for injuries and damages caused by a driver. Starting in July 2020, Arizona’s insurance minimums will be higher, which will protect you better in the event of a crash. Until then, however, you could find yourself struggling to recover compensation if your injuries are more severe than what the policy minimums can cover. When you are involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, that individual probably does not have the financial means to compensate you for your damages or pay for the medical expenses you will likely need. Uninsured and underinsured drivers often lack adequate insurance because they cannot afford it, so efforts to secure direct payment from them will usually be unsuccessful. When you find yourself in this situation, it hits home why your UM/UIM coverage is vitally important. Instead of securing payment from the responsible driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance policy for compensation.
Unfortunately, the claims process can prove challenging, especially when you attempt to handle the situation without assistance from a skilled Phoenix car accident lawyer. Insurance adjustors work in the interest of the insurance company, and sometimes this can mean an unfair denial of your claim. They often use unethical tactics to deny or delay payment of benefits following an accident. Our lawyers have seen these tactics before and know how to counter them with honest and effective legal tactics. Our attorneys have the skill to not only negotiate with the companies, but to also take your case to court if necessary.
Uninsured motorist protection for bicycle and pedestrian accidents
Thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists die each year in vehicle-related accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 64,000 pedestrians are injured by vehicles annually in the United States. Whenever a vehicle collides with a person, severe injuries are more than likely to result. These injuries are often life-changing, requiring years of medical treatment and expensive rehabilitation. Yet, when these victims try to secure compensation from the responsible driver, they often find that the individual lacks adequate resources to pay.
These folks may give up their pursuit of justice, not realizing that their own UM/UIM coverage may provide some financial relief. Additional compensation may be available to them through the UM/UIM coverage purchased with their own auto insurance policies, which is yet another reason why you should purchase as much UM/UIM coverage as you are able to afford.
Contact Arizona underinsured motorist claims lawyers
For answers to any other questions you have about UM/UIM coverage or your rights under the terms of a policy, contact the knowledgeable Phoenix uninsured motorist attorneys of Plattner Verderame, P.C. We handle insurance bad faith and UM/UIM claims on a contingency-fee basis, which means that you won’t owe us anything unless we are able to obtain a verdict or settlement on your behalf. Call 602-266-2002 or complete this convenient contact form today.