Accident and Injury Attorney Serving Drivers
The state of Kentucky has plenty of motor vehicle accidents. The rising costs of insurance and reduced amount paid out on claims make it unlikely that motorists on the road will carry adequate coverage. While auto insurance rates are on the rise nationwide, it is important that you take a proactive role in protecting yourself. After all, you cannot rely on those driving on the road to have proper coverage – or any coverage, for that matter.
To ensure that you are fully covered, there are two primary types of auto insurance you should carry on your car. These policies increase the likelihood you will receive compensation if you are in an accident, especially with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage offers protection if you are in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or who has inadequate insurance values to cover the cost of the accident. It is imperative that you maintain this level of coverage, as well – if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist and don’t have this coverage, you will not receive compensation from your auto insurance company.
According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), approximately 12.6 percent of Americans did not carry insurance. However, when a state comparison was done, Kentucky’s average was higher – coming in at an estimated 15.8 percent uninsured. This higher percentage put Kentucky in the 12th position for highest number of uninsured drivers. Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi, and New Mexico were some of the states with even greater numbers. Purchasing uninsured motorist coverage ensures that you are protected in an accident. Considering how many drivers do not have coverage, you cannot financially risk going without this insurance protection.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is important, but so is underinsured motorist coverage. Even if a driver carries automobile insurance, they could have minimum liability.
While they are not breaking the law, minimum liability tends to be much too little after a catastrophic accident that results in serious injuries.
You can protect yourself in the event that the other driver does not have adequate coverage with underinsured motorist coverage. With underinsured motorist coverage, you receive benefits that kick in after the at-fault driver’s policy reaches its limit. Then, your underinsured motorist coverage pays the remainder up to your policy limit.
In Kentucky, motorists are only required to carry $25,000 for bodily injury per person per accident, $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident, $10,000 property damage, and $10,000 personal injury protection. If a motorist has the minimum, which many drivers do, you would be without coverage for your medical costs, lost wages, and suffering if you only had $25,000 to work with.
Questions About Insurance and Accident Compensation? Call an Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, dealing with the complexities of insurance policies, terminology, and claims adjusters is difficult. After all, you need to focus on recovery. So, after your accident, speak with a Louisville personal injury advocate, like Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC. You can meet with us today by calling 502-791-9000 or by sending a message online.
