Alaska Auto Accidents Lawyers

Alaska Car Accident Lawyers, Helping with Uninsured Motorist Issues

Alaska Car Accident Lawyers
Helping with Uninsured Motorist Issues

Alaska law requires drivers to carry auto insurance coverage, which is a law that exists in basically every jurisdiction in the United States.  The reason for this law should be obvious, as when Alaska car accidents occur those who have been harmed and/or suffered loss need to be able to depend on the insurance coverage in place to help recapture those losses.  Unfortunately, not everyone in Alaska has auto insurance, and given the potential problems that could arise in this scenario, those who realize that they have been injured by someone without coverage should seek the immediate help of experienced Alaska car accident attorneys.  Below is a brief overview of this issue.

Options for Someone Harmed by an Uninsured Motorist

When someone is injured in an Alaska car accident and the driver at fault does not have insurance coverage, there are two options that should be explored as a result.  The first is looking into the possibility of filing an Alaska personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver, but those situations need to be carefully reviewed on a case by case basis.

The other option for someone in this position is to file a claim with his or her own insurance carrier.  Many people who purchase auto insurance policies pay for what’s often seen on insurance documents as “UIM” as part of their coverage.  UIM stands for uninsured and sometimes under-insured motorists, and this form of coverage is designed for exactly these circumstances.  Therefore, coverage is generally still available for someone, but the process needs to be completed properly.

Potential Problems with UIM Claims

Unfortunately, filing a claim using this type of coverage can give rise to problems.  Generally, when a claim of this nature arises, the injured party’s insurance company should be treated as though it is the other driver’s insurance provider.  That’s because the insurer will likely take steps to minimize the amount of liability it could face by paying out a claim for damages, and insurance companies have innumerable steps and procedures in place to help them move towards this type of result.

Therefore, if someone has been injured by an uninsured or under-insured motorist and files this type of claim, this person should not simply provide statements, records and evidence to the insurance provider without first obtaining the proper advice on how to proceed.   That’s because any mistakes made during this process could lower the ultimate recovery.

If you or someone you love needs to file a claim of this type with your insurance company, seek the help of Alaska car accident lawyers who have been holding insurance companies accountable for their responsibilities for many years.  Contact Barber & Banker today to schedule a free initial consultation.