Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
If the at-fault person causing an automobile collision has no insurance, cannot be identified (such as with a hit & run driver), or does not have sufficient insurance to compensate the victim, the victim may have a claim under the Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) provisions of their own insurance policy, under the policy of the automobile in which they were riding, or under the automobile policies of any resident relatives. UM/UIM coverage is NOT mandatory in Colorado but is very important. Your insurance agent must offer this provision for each automobile insurance policy and we would strongly encourage you to purchase this type of coverage. It is relatively inexpensive and is an essential element of insurance protection given the staggering numbers of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists on the roadways.
The numbers of uninsured or underinsured motorists on Colorado roadways is staggering. Nearly 50% of the cases we handle involve UM/UIM drivers, so it is important to pre-plan by purchasing adequate coverage to protect you and your passengers BEFORE you need the coverage. In Colorado, the required bodily injury liability limits are only $25,000. Given that medical expenses often need to be paid from this sum, this is often insufficient. It is important that you take steps to ensure sufficient coverage - before you are in need of the coverages - rather than to depend on any at-fault driver making good decisions to purchase adequate coverage levels. When discussing coverages with your agent, it is important to consider all coverages available to cover you and your family/passengers.
Insurance policies have varying provisions regarding submission of UM/UIM claims which must be followed to avoid waiving your entitlement to this coverage. These policies provide you with a limited time within which to pursue your claim so you should consult an attorney immediately after a collision to discuss the specifics of your claim.
Contact Travis Legal Offices, LLC for a free consultation regarding how Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists (UM/UIM) coverage may benefit you on your particular claim.
