What Does UM/UIM Coverage Pay for After a Car Accident?
When you get into a car accident, you expect the other driver’s insurance to pay for everything, right? But what if they don’t have insurance or their coverage is not enough to cover your full damages? That’s when uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) coverage steps in. In Florida, this optional coverage can play a critical role in protecting you financially after a serious crash. In this article, we discuss what UM/UIM coverage pays for in Florida after an accident.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
UM (uninsured motorist) coverage kicks in when the other driver doesn’t have any insurance at all. UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage, on the other hand, comes into play when the other driver’s policy cannot cover all your damages.
Florida doesn’t require drivers to carry UM/UIM insurance, but insurers must offer it when you purchase a policy. If you want to decline it, you have to do so in writing. With so many uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road, many people add this coverage to their policy.
What Can UM//UIM Pay For?
So, what can UM/UIM cover after an accident? Depending on your policy, your UM/UIM coverage can cover a wide range of damages, including:
Medical Expenses
UM/UIM can help cover hospital bills, doctor appointments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment related to your injuries. This is particularly crucial when your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits have been exhausted.
UM/UIM coverage also covers projected medical treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other projected future medical expenses.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
If your injuries hinder your ability to work, UM/UIM coverage may reimburse you for lost income. In more serious cases, it can also account for diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your former job.
Pain and Suffering
Unlike PIP, UM/UIM coverage covers emotional trauma, distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, your injuries must meet the state’s serious injury threshold.
Wrongful Death Damages
If the accident is fatal, UM/UIM coverage can provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional losses suffered by surviving family members, such as loss of companionship and guidance.
How Does UM/UIM Coverage Work With the State’s No-Fault System?
In Florida, you first turn to your own PIP coverage for medical bills and lost wages. But the reality is that PIP benefits run out fast and don’t cover all damages. When your PIP coverage runs out, and if your injuries are deemed serious according to Florida law, UM/UIM coverage can offer extra compensation. This makes it a crucial safety net.
Challenges With UM/UIM Claims
Recovering UM/UIM benefits isn’t always easy. Even though you’re dealing with your own insurer, they might question your injuries, dispute liability, or offer a lowball settlement.
Because UM/UIM claims are handled similarly to other liability claims, you need to present strong evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to support your case. A skilled attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact an Orlando car accident lawyer at Orlando Accident Attorneys today for help pursuing compensation.