Alaska Auto Accident Lawyers
Helping Those Harmed by Uninsured Motorists

Generally, when someone is harmed in an auto accident that's another driver's fault, the damages incurred by the injured party should be paid by the at-fault driver's insurance company up to the policy limits.  Any additional damages suffered are usually pursued in the legal realm.  However, this situation does not account for those who are harmed by drivers who either have no insurance or not enough insurance coverage to deal with the damages.  In these situations, you need the help of an Alaska auto accident lawyer.

Below you'll find information regarding what injured people are supposed to do when harmed by someone with either no or not enough insurance coverage, the challenges this can present to those who seek to recover for the damages they've incurred and ultimately how an Alaska auto accident lawyer can help you obtain the justice you deserve.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Norms in Alaska

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a driver who has either no insurance coverage or not enough insurance coverage to pay your damages, the usual pathway of pursuit to recovery for the costs incurred by the person who is not at fault is through his or her own insurance coverage.  Those who pay what's often a nominal sum for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are supposed to be able to file claims against their own insurance policy to obtain this recovery.

On its face, the law is relatively simple.  If someone is injured by another person who does not have sufficient coverage, the injured party's own coverage is supposed to provide that financial protection. 

This type of coverage is very important, as a high number of drivers simply do not have the insurance backing necessary to protect themselves and anyone they harm in an accident.  This is also why insurance companies sell this coverage to their policy holders.

Challenges Faced by Those Who Need Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

Unfortunately, there are many instances in which filing a claim against your own insurance company can become just as confusing and difficult as pursuing a claim against another driver and his or her insurance company when he or she has sufficient coverage.  Insurance companies are for-profit entities, and their profits are protected by the lower the amounts are that they pay out in claims.

Many people are surprised to find themselves in an adversarial setting with their own insurance companies, but this is not necessarily a rare circumstance.  When this situation arises, the process of obtaining benefits can be filled with delays, confusing requirements and insurance jargon that is not familiar to those who do not work in the industry or who do not have a legal background.  Simply put, recovering benefits on these sorts of claims can be extremely difficult.

How Alaska Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you find yourself at odds with your own insurance company because you've suffered damages at the hands of a driver without any or without enough insurance coverage to satisfy your damages, you need immediate legal help.  The Alaska auto accident lawyers at Barber & Sims have years of experience in helping injured clients obtain justifiable recoveries from those parties legally responsible to provide them, even if it's a driver's own insurance underwriter.  Rather than attempt to take on this situation by yourself as you deal with your pain and suffering, contact Barber & Sims today to schedule a free initial consultation.