Every driver and vehicle owner in Alabama must uphold their legal responsibilities. When an uninsured driver crashes into you, determining your options for civil litigation is best left to a Birmingham uninsured car accident attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC.
Pursuing compensation for your injuries when the accident involved an uninsured motorist generally involves taking on your own insurance company. Our legal team is aware of insurance company tactics to avoid payment or to underpay on claims. If your insurance company is failing to honor your policy during this difficult time, we may be able to help.
Uninsured Motorist/ Underinsured Motorist
Alabama law requires that liability policies must include uninsured motorists and underinsured motorist protection, otherwise known as UM/UIM coverage. The minimum amount of coverage allowed is $25,000.
In 2019, state laws reduced penalties for drivers who drive with no insurance. Drivers caught for a second time within four years previously faced a four-month suspension of registration. The new law removes that suspension if the driver provides proof of insurance and pays any associated fines.
While state law requires that insurance companies offer UM/UIM coverage, motorists may opt out of the coverage. The clause allowing the ability to opt out may seem like a way to save money when in fact, it can result in expensive medical bills. Our legal team can dispel other misconceptions you may have about uninsured motorist insurance.
For a free legal consultation with a Uninsured Car Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call (205) 380-4158
Harm Caused by Uninsured Motorists
Approximately 1 out of every 8 drivers in the United States is uninsured. Research published by the Insurance Information Institute found that Alabama ranks 7th in the nation in the number of uninsured drivers. Serious injuries often involve:
- Extended hospital stays
- Future surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing medical and personal care
If your loved one experienced a catastrophic injury, they may require 24-hour care for the rest of their life. A skilled nursing facility is very expensive, with an average cost of $8,365 per month.
If you paid for extra coverage on your auto insurance policy and now find your claims denied, an uninsured car accident attorney in Birmingham may be able to help.
Birmingham Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (205) 380-4158
Why You May Need an Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. The more claims they need to pay, the fewer profits for the company’s bottom line. While no business should place profits before people, it’s a tactic that many companies use to avoid honoring claims.
An insurance policy is a legally binding contract between an insurance company and a consumer. When the insurance company fails to return your calls, tries to deny your claim, or attempts to purposely delay the process, you may consider hiring a lawyer.
Our uninsured car accident lawyers in Birmingham have experience dealing with insurance companies. We understand the tactics they use to make a tough time even more challenging for accident victims. We fight for our clients and their right to the coverage included with their policy.
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Protect Your Best Interests With Legal Representation
A serious car accident can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Having UM/UIM coverage may not be enough when it comes to your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Pursuing a civil lawsuit against the uninsured driver responsible for your injuries is something to consider. However, in most cases, a driver without insurance most likely does not have the funds to pay you compensation.
Paying for the extra coverage on your Alabama liability policy is a smart idea for added protection in the event you encounter an uninsured motorist. If you have coverage and experienced serious injuries in an accident caused by a motorist with no insurance, your insurance company must honor your policy.
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What an Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Your injuries leave you no time to try and handle the details of your claim. Focusing on your medical treatment is your top priority – representing your best interests is our top priority. Our uninsured car accident attorneys in Birmingham at Morris Bart & Associates, LLC can:
- Investigate the cause of your collision
- Calculate your losses
- Communicate with insurance on your behalf
- Handle settlement negotiations
We also understand that this is a very trying time for you and your family. That is why we strive to maintain an open door of communication so that you never have to wonder about the status of your case.
Birmingham Uninsured Car Accident FAQ
Knowing what to do after you get into a wreck with a driver who doesn’t have insurance might be a little confusing. A Birmingham uninsured car accident lawyer can answer some common, frequently asked questions to help you understand the process.
What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Gets in an Accident?
Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver for Damages in Birmingham?
What Makes a Lawsuit Viable in an Uninsured Motorist Crash?
When Should I Hire an Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer?
How Do I Pay My Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer?
What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Gets in an Accident?
If an uninsured driver gets into an accident in Alabama, they could face severe civil penalties. First of all, getting caught driving without insurance already means facing the consequences of:
- A $200 fine for a first offense
- A $300 fine for a second offense
- A $400 fine for a subsequent offense
- Temporary license suspension until proof of insurance is shown
While the victim in an uninsured motorist accident will have to resort to their own insurance company to receive compensation for their damages, the uninsured driver isn’t off the hook. Alabama courts could hold uninsured drivers financially responsible for all the victim’s damages.
If the uninsured driver doesn’t have enough to cover the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other damages out of pocket, the court may garnish their wages or arrange a payment plan until they can fully reimburse the victim.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver for Damages in Birmingham?
An uninsured driver can crash into you due to being drunk, distracted, or drowsy. If they face criminal charges for their actions, it has no bearing on your auto policy and whether your insurance company must honor it. You can sue an uninsured driver who causes an accident and injures you.
Your Birmingham uninsured motorist accident lawyer will advise you on whether or not you should pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If pursuing civil litigation against the uninsured or underinsured driver is not a viable option, your insurance policy may protect your financial needs.
What Makes a Lawsuit Viable in an Uninsured Motorist Crash?
Even if you’re likely to win your lawsuit, the other party needs to have the assets necessary to pay for damages. The high costs of paying for a car crash is the reason why we’re all required to carry a certain amount of insurance.
While the court has many ways to compel payment over time from someone who injured you, it may not be nearly enough to cover your costs. Garnishing their wages for years is cold satisfaction when what you get isn’t enough to keep the creditors away.
That being said, if the other party does have significant assets after we investigate, suing them directly may be an option. They chose not to carry insurance and now they can pay the price.
When Should I Hire an Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer?
Even though you may be left with lifelong disabilities after a DUI accident, you have legal deadlines to keep in mind. Alabama’s statute of limitations for car crash claims is two years. If you wait too long to start your case, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
It is important that you reach out to a Birmingham uninsured car accident attorney as soon as possible. Researching your case takes time and involves pursuing your insurance company representatives until we get answers. While we can settle most cases out-of-court, we are prepared to go to trial if necessary.
How Do I Pay My Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer?
Nearly all personal injury law firms, including ours, are paid on a contingency basis. This means that if you do not win your case you do not owe us anything. If you do win, then we are paid an agreed-upon percentage of your total compensation.
This system makes it possible for anyone to hire a car accident lawyer when they need one, and it incentivizes lawyers to do the best job possible to maximize your compensation.
Contact an Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer in Birmingham
You purchase uninsured or underinsured policy coverage to protect you and your family. When a tragic accident occurs, you expect your insurance company to come through for you. If they don’t, our Birmingham uninsured car accident lawyers can step in to protect your interests.
If you experienced serious injuries due to an uninsured driver, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC now for a free case evaluation. You owe us nothing up front. We only collect our fee if we secure compensation for you. Protect your future medical and financial needs by reaching out to us today.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
