Phoenix UM/UIM Accident Lawyers

Were You Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

Auto accident claims can be a frustration, but the problems and complications will only escalate if you were hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages they caused. Insurance company estimates show that roughly 12% of drivers in Arizona, year over year, are uninsured. If you are hit by a negligent driver, there is an unfortunately significant chance that they won’t have any insurance at all, and an even higher chance that they will have insurance but not enough.

At that point, you will likely have to deal with an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim, so you’ll want a legal team that is familiar with these particular types of cases. Make MayesTelles PLLC in Phoenix your first choice of legal counsel for any UM or UIM accident claim.

Why do so many people choose MayesTelles PLLC first?

• We have more than 100 years of combined practice experience.
• We have former prosecutors on our team – we know both sides of a case.
• We have attorneys who are AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.
• We have handled thousands of cases across a long history of success.

Contact our firm online or dial (602) 428-7104. We are available 24/7.

Arizona Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Limits

Each state has different auto insurance minimum coverage amounts that a licensed driver must carry to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads. This insurance minimum applies to all sorts of motorized vehicles, too, like trucks and motorcycles, not just cars.

In Arizona, the minimum liability auto insurance coverage required by the state is:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle (policyholder).
• $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of more than one person in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle (policyholder).
• $15,000 for property damage per accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle (policyholder).

According to recent data from the National Safety Council (NCS), the average economic cost suffered by someone who is injured in a motor vehicle accident is $40,000, which considers medical costs, lost wages, vehicle repairs, etc. The average cost increases to $155,000 for injuries that cause a lasting disability and $1,778,000 for accidents that cause a fatality. With these average costs per accident in mind, it becomes clear that carrying only the minimum insurance required by Arizona law might not be enough.

Not sure if you have the right amount of auto insurance? You can call your auto insurance provider to learn about your coverage details and if you should make any changes. Based on your insurance provider and driving history, you might be able to get improved UM/UIM insurance coverage for as little as $136 a year, based on averages calculated by Forbes Advisor.

What is an Uninsured Driver?

A driver is uninsured if they do not have any auto insurance but still drives on public roads. If an uninsured driver or uninsured motorist (UM) causes an accident, then it will be more difficult for the injured party to get compensation from that driver, if not impossible.

Hit-and-Run Drivers & Insurance Claims

When a driver commits a hit-and-run and is never identified, it might be possible to argue that the driver is “uninsured.” The reasoning is that a driver who is never identified provides the same amount of insurance coverage as a driver with no insurance at all.

What is an Underinsured Driver?

A driver is underinsured if they have auto insurance coverage but not enough to cover all the damages that they cause in a car accident. If an underinsured driver or underinsured motorist (UIM) causes a crash, then it will be more challenging for the injured party to get full compensation from that driver. Multiple insurance policies might need to be considered by the plaintiff’s attorneys, depending on the situation.

What is UM/UIM Insurance Coverage?

UM/UIM insurance coverage is sold by auto insurance companies to cover damages incurred in accidents that are caused by or involve an uninsured driver, an underinsured motorist, or a hit-and-run driver. It is recommended that all drivers carry UM/UIM insurance coverage because it might be the only way to collect damages after certain accidents.

A typical UM/UIM insurance policy can provide damages that help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or income
• Pain and suffering
• Property replacement (usually an upgrade option)

What is a First-Party Insurance Claim?

Keep in mind that UM/UIM insurance is a policy that pays you for damages, not the uninsured or underinsured driver who hit you. This type of insurance claim is called a first-party insurance claim. To use your UM/UIM insurance policy, you technically file against your own auto insurance provider, not the auto insurance company of another driver.

The nature of a first-party insurance claim can cause a headache if your claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued because the auto insurance company that you pay each month is the party opposing you. Before you start an uninsured insurance claim, you should talk with an attorney to find out what to do.

Our Phoenix UM/UIM accident attorneys can help with all parts of your claim, including:

• Reviewing your insurance policy for coverage eligibility and limits.
• Investigating the accident to look for proof of liability.
• Consulting medical experts to get more information about the extent of your injuries.
• Preparing a UM/UIM claim to file with your auto insurance policy.
• Responding to inquiries for more information or denials.
• Taking your case to court and trial if necessary.

Contact Us Now – We’re Available 24/7/365

MayesTelles PLLC and our Phoenix UM/UIM accident attorneys are standing by to help you after you were in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance coverage. You could have various options to seek compensation, even though the driver’s insurance won’t take care of you. Let’s explore those options together today, so you can be sure that you’re making the best choices.

Thanks to our 24/7 availability, you can call (602) 428-7104 whenever you need us!