People are seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents every day. A large number of these accidents involved an uninsured or underinsured motorist. In Colorado, operating a motor vehicle while uninsured or underinsured is against the law. If an uninsured or underinsured driver is involved in accident or commits any other traffic violation, the driver would face heavy fines, jail time and a loss of driving privileges. He would be considered a high risk to insurance companies, which would make it difficult for him to get affordable insurance in the future.
Vehicle accidents can leave a person seriously injured, requiring costly medical treatment. Then there’s the emotional trauma to deal with, which may also require psychological treatment if severe. In the event that you are injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, retaining a Colorado personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights and legal options will help you decide the best course of action to take.
Colorado Insurance Requirements
Motorists in Colorado are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 Bodily Injury coverage per injured person, $50,000 per accident and at least $15,000 Property Damage coverage. A driver carrying less than the required minimum coverage is considered underinsured.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Motorists in Colorado are not required to carry Uninsured Motorists/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage; however, by law insurance companies must offer it and give the motorist the option of waiving it in writing. The minimum UM/UIM coverage required is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for an uninsured/underinsured motorist. It may be worth paying a little more for auto insurance just for the peace of mind knowing covered should you be injured in a car accident involving an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
What if You’re In An Accident Involving an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver?
For car insurance policies renewed or issued after January 2008, you can recover the full policy limit of the at-fault underinsured driver’s bodily injury coverage, and up to the full policy limits under your UM/IUM coverage if the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage is not enough to cover all damages.
For car insurance policies renewed or issued before January 2008, you can recover additional compensation through your own policy if the at-fault driver has inadequate bodily injury coverage and your UM/UIM policy limits are more than the at-fault driver’s bodily injury policy limits. The combination of UM/UIM coverage and bodily injury coverage cannot be more than the total UM/UIM policy limits.
How Can an Attorney Help?
A Colorado personal injury attorney can assist you in filing your UM/UIM insurance claim if you carry UM/UIM insurance. If you don’t carry this type of insurance, having an attorney will increase your chances of getting more compensation. The qualified Colorado personal injury attorneys at the O’Connell Law Firm have 40 years of negotiating experience that you’ll come to appreciate when dealing with insurance companies. You can contact the firm and request a free consultation to discuss your case.
