Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Omaha

When automobile accidents cause serious injuries, recovery can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. You may be expecting to use the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage to pay for your medical treatments and bills, particularly if you cannot work due to your injuries. However, when the negligent driver has either no insurance or insufficient coverage, you might wonder who will pay for your losses.

Our knowledgeable vehicle collision attorneys at Berry Law understand the unique problems posed by uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage in Omaha. We will fight to protect your rights and help you obtain maximum compensation to help you recover from your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Car Collision with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Omaha

There are certain steps that you should take following a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver. You should immediately seek medical care, gather and preserve evidence, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Obtain Medical Care

After the crash, you may be in shock and not able to feel your injury. However, it is crucial that you see a medical professional immediately. A doctor can evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan. Additionally, you can use the medical records documenting your injuries as evidence in a later court case.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

You or your representative should also obtain the contact information from all of the drivers involved in the crash and the names and contact information of any witnesses. If possible, document the crash scene by taking pictures of the vehicles and of your injuries. Writing down notes on what happened is also helpful, as it is easy to forget what happened in a time of crisis. Keeping a daily journal of your recovery will also help with settlement negotiations or at trial.  An additional benefit of keeping a daily journal of your recovery is that studies show journaling after a traumatic event can lessen the likelihood of Post-Traumatic Stress complications later on.

Meet with an Attorney

It is critical to meet with an Omaha attorney as soon as possible after a crash. An experienced lawyer will inform you of your legal rights and options and help you navigate complex insurance and liability issues.

Where to Look for Compensation

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or only carries the state minimum of $25,000 for liability, your attorney will need to look for other sources of compensation, often involving your own insurance coverage. In situations where the at-fault drive has insufficient insurance, and your Underinsured coverage does not fully cover your damages, our skilled legal team will give you a thorough and clear picture of any additional sources of compensation.

Negligent Third Parties

You can pursue financial restitution from the at-fault driver in a personal injury claim. However, most uninsured and underinsured drivers do not carry insurance because they cannot afford the cost of the premiums. Accordingly, they probably would not have sufficient assets to pay damages in a personal injury claim. Depending on the situation, you may be able to file a claim against another party, such as the at-fault driver’s employer or the manufacturer of a defective auto part.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

The next place to look would be your own auto insurer. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company for all of your losses or the portion not covered by the negligent driver’s policy. These situations are complicated because your insurance is there to protect your interests, but the company also has incentive to keep their payout to you as low as possible. You need an unyielding attorney with a deep understanding of bad faith tactics to advocate on your behalf in negotiations, eve with your own insurance company.

Let an Omaha Attorney Help with Your Underinsured/Uninsured Car Crash Claim

Insurance companies do not always look out for your best interests. Adjusters differ and are often more concerned with their bottom line than in helping injured people. After an underinsured/uninsured car accident in Omaha, your insurance company may urge you to settle your claim for less than it is worth.  They may not tell you that you are entitled to compensation for lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, future medical expenses, or permanency of loss.

Improve your chances of receiving fair compensation by working with an attorney from Berry Law who will fight to protect your interests and rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.