Accidents happen every day. Nobody can predict when an accident may happen. However, even if you cannot predict when the accident may happen, you may at least prepare for it.
In the article Everything You Need To Know About The Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance in Michigan, we have discussed accidental death and dismemberment insurance in Michigan. Since the release of that article, we have received a lot of calls and queries about the other kinds of insurance that are available in the state of Michigan.
To reiterate, in the United States, accidents are the third leading cause of death. For people between the age of 25 to 44, it is often the cause of death. Of course, this is why it makes sense to have a comprehensive insurance policy that could cover your needs, or your family’s needs when an accident happens.
Here at Haque Legal, it is our goal to make sure that you have the protection you need in times of trouble. We want to answer all of your questions and therefore we have created this article series that would discuss everything you need to know about car insurance coverage in the state of Michigan.
What is the Michigan Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
The Michigan underinsured motorist coverage is a coverage that aims to protect you when the injured person in a car accident is caused by another underinsured driver.
The main goal of this insurance policy is to provide you protection when you crash with a driver who has a policy that cannot cover your medical expenses.
The Importance Of Getting Underinsured Motorist Coverage
We all know that getting insurance for your automobile can be expensive especially with all of the requirements and the minimum provisions set by the law. A majority of the drivers in Michigan go only by insurance that is within the minimum limits set by the law and do not go beyond the minimum standards.
Considering this it is bad for a lot of people to just have the minimum bodily injury policy limits because the coverage may not be able to properly protect you and everyone else you love when you need to pay for your medical expenses.
Imagine this scenario: you are involved in a car accident with your children or your loved ones. Of course, you would expect that the insurance policy of the other driver will be able to compensate for your medical expenses as well as for the non-economic damages relating to the accident that may be granted by the court. The damages may be an afterthought and an actor consideration but the payment for your medical expenses should be covered by the insurance policy.
But what if the individual who caused the accident is underinsured? How do you make up for the difference if your insurance policy also does not cover the medical expenses? The State of Michigan has provided an answer through the Michigan underinsured motorist coverage.
Legal Definition
After discussing the practical application of underinsured motorist coverage, let us now look at the legal definition of underinsured motorist coverage. Under this law, there is the right of a person who wants to get legal recovery for the pain and suffering compensation as well as for the “excess” no-fault personal injury protection medical benefits.
Who is an underinsured driver?
An underinsured driver is someone who falls under any of the following definitions:
- A driver who was at fault in causing a car accident that killed another individual or cause damage or injury to another individual; and
- A driver whose liability insurance coverage is not adequate to cover the medical expenses, the economic loss damages, and the pain and suffering compensation asked for by the victims of the accident.
Is there a way to know beforehand if I am underinsured?
The rule of thumb that we tell our clients and readers is that when you get only the minimum as required by law, you may consider yourself underinsured. Getting just the minimum mandatory liability coverage is not legally advisable.
What are the minimum limitations set by law?
The minimum standards set by law are $20,000 or $50,000 and they remain dangerously inadequate for individuals.
We have seen hundreds of cases of clients dealing with underinsured motorists. Some people are unable to pay for the damages and they are some people who are just plain unwilling. Since public defenders are given to the driver at fault, the case is dragged on, and in the meantime, the victims suffer through paying for their medical expenses.
With that, the next part of this series will look at the more important facts on underinsured motorist coverage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have been involved in a car collision in Michigan, make sure that you are protected. By contacting your insurance company, you will have what you need in terms of their decision and see if they just need a little nudge in the right direction.
If the answer of the insurance company is not positive on your claim, then you need to make sure that you will get going with your complaint.
A lawyer can help you get started with your claim. If you have been hurt, a Southfield injury lawyer at Haque Legal will see to it that your needs are met from the beginning to the end of the proceedings. You are always in good hands with Haque Legal and what it has to offer.
Disclaimer:
The article that you have read is based on general applications of the law. It is not legal advice and it is not to be construed as any legal consultation with the firm. No client-attorney relationship is created when you read the articles we have provided.
Let us help you out.
If you are having trouble with filing an insurance claim or have been in a car accident in Southfield or the surrounding areas, call us immediately. If you have any problem with the law or are seeking justice and truth, our numbers are standing by to take your call.
The post Basic Information About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Michigan appeared first on Haque Legal.