Uninsured motorist accidents are similar to other types of motor vehicle wrecks. However, recovering the compensation you are entitled to can be more challenging without being able to file a claim against the liable driver’s auto insurance policy. Fortunately, you are not without legal options.
A top-rated Okemos uninsured motorist accident lawyer with White Law PLLC is here to help you maximize your payout. Even if you cannot file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance, you may have other options. Our team will build a powerful case against those responsible and explore your opportunities for relief so you can get through these difficult times and avoid financial ruin.
Connect with an experienced Okemos car accident attorney at our firm. You can contact our team to request a free consultation. When you do, you can learn more about how to obtain the compensation you deserve through an insurance claim, whether filing a car accident lawsuit is in your best interests and the types of evidence we will need to prove liability and negligence.
Why Motorists May Be Uninsured in Okemos
Motorists operate motor vehicles without insurance more often than you might expect. Although Michigan has strict auto insurance requirements, many drivers put themselves and other drivers on the roadways at risk by failing to carry the state’s minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. This could be for countless reasons, such as:
- They cannot afford auto insurance.
- Their auto insurance policy lapsed.
- They do not know they are driving without insurance.
- They forgot to renew their insurance policy.
- The driver does not own the vehicle and is unaware that the vehicle does not have auto insurance coverage.
- They were dropped from their auto insurance policy.
Just because a motorist is driving without insurance does not mean they will not be held accountable when they are responsible for causing an accident. It is also important to remember that just because another motorist does not have insurance does not mean they are automatically responsible for causing the accident. For this reason, it is crucial that you have a dedicated uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Okemos, MI investigating your case so we are holding the appropriate parties accountable.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Michigan Auto Insurance Requirements
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state for car accident claims. When you are involved in a collision, the liable party will be responsible for compensating you, as well as their auto insurance provider. State minimum auto insurance requirements are as follows:
- $250,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
- $500,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $10,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
Michigan motorists are not legally required to carry uninsured or underinsured motorist liability coverage and can opt out of personal injury protection coverage (PIP). You are also not obligated to have comprehensive, collision, or increase your auto insurance coverage limits. While insurance is designed to compensate you when someone else is responsible for the accident, if the driver that hit you is uninsured, you may need to consider alternative options.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How to Recover Maximum Compensation When the Liable Party Is Uninsured
When the liable party is uninsured, you might still be able to file an insurance claim. If you opted to purchase no-fault insurance protection as part of your personal auto insurance policy, you could pursue a claim with your insurance provider. However, do not be surprised if the insurance company tries to recoup your payout by increasing your premiums upon policy renewal.
Even if you can obtain a settlement through your no-fault insurance policy, it is unlikely it will be enough to meet your needs. For this reason, it is always in your best interests to prepare to bring your uninsured motorist accident claim to court. In filing a personal injury lawsuit, you have a better chance of being awarded total compensation for your damages.
According to Michigan tort laws, you have the right to be made whole when someone else is responsible for causing the accident. If the uninsured driver that hit you is ultimately at fault but lacks insurance coverage to cover a portion of your damages, they can be sued in civil court. This way, you can receive the compensation you are entitled to and bring the at-fault party to justice.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Recoverable Damages in Okemos Uninsured Motorist Accident Claims
Every single loss should be taken into consideration when determining how much your car accident claim is worth. Your Okemos uninsured motorist accident attorney will review your economic and non-economic damages in depth to ensure we are seeking the total value of your losses. Some of the most common types of recoverable damages include:
- Reputational damage
- Damage to your credit score
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering damages
- Lost income
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of household services
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Embarrassment, and dignity, and shame
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of future earnings
- Medical bills and treatment
- Future medical care
- Ongoing healthcare expenses
In an uninsured motorist accident claim, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are issued when the Michigan civil courts find it appropriate to punish the liable party for gross negligence or willful misconduct. Your uninsured motorist accident lawyer will let you know whether punitive damages are warranted and expected in your case.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Connect with an Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney in Okemos, MI Today
Being hit by an uninsured driver does not mean you will be stuck covering the costs. There are other ways you can hold them accountable for their actions and receive a settlement that fully compensates you for your damages and suffering. However, you may need the legal guidance and support of a respected Okemos uninsured motorist accident lawyer to demand justice.
Okemo’s leading car accident law firm with White Law PLLC is here for you. We can help you tell your story. Contact our office to request a 100% free consultation to learn more about whether you have grounds for a claim and how you can make the uninsured driver compensate you fairly.
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