Just like every other state, Virginia drivers are required to carry auto insurance of at least the minimum amount imposed by the state. They are also required to carry proof of their insurance coverage when they are driving and be able to produce it at the request of law enforcement. Unfortunately, almost 11% of all drivers on Virginia’s roadways have no or not enough auto insurance coverage.
What do I do if I am in an accident with someone who has limited or no insurance?
The Virginia car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you understand and defend your rights after being injured in a car accident, caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Call us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
State-Mandated Insurance Requirements
In Virginia, liability coverage limits are split into three separate classifications: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage. In Virginia, the minimums are:
Minimum Liability Coverage: 30/60/20
- $30,000/per person bodily injury
- $60,000/per accident bodily injury
- $20,000/per accident property damage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: 25/50/20
- $25,000/per person bodily injury
- $50,000/per accident bodily injury
- $20,000/per accident property damage
According to an article published by the Insurance Information Institute, roughly one in every eight drivers nationwide has no car insurance to speak of. So, what do you do if you are hurt in a car accident caused by a driver who carries no auto insurance or who has a policy with limits that will not cover your damages.?
Well, you could be saddled with huge out-of-pocket costs such as hospital bills and deductibles associated with your health insurance. If your injuries cause you to miss work, you could also be missing more than a few paychecks as you amass these bills. Fortunately, this problem has a workaround in the form of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage, also known as UM/UIM coverage, is a kind of auto insurance that covers the medical expenses of you and/or your passengers in the event that you are injured in a car accident resulting from:
- A motorist who does not carry any liability insurance
- A driver who flees the scene (hit-and-run)
- A driver whose insurer goes out of business or denies coverage
What Does UM/UIM Cover?
Your uninsured/underinsured policy can help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income if you are unable to work for reasons related to your accident
- Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- Funeral and burial or cremation costs
UM/UIM coverage does not cover anything for uninsured or underinsured drivers. It covers YOU and YOUR damages.
UM/UIM insurance coverage can be a considerable source of compensation for vehicle accident victims. This is one reason why it is essential that all Virginia drivers be familiar with the limits of their UM/UIM auto insurance coverage. The experienced car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can outline all of your legal options, and help you accurately identify all applicable auto insurance policies.
Are Hit-and-Run Accidents Covered by UM/UIM Insurance?
A hit-and-run accident is a car accident where one of the drivers involved flees the scene without exchanging their contact and insurance information or waiting for law enforcement to arrive. A hit-and-run can involve:
- Two or more vehicles
- A vehicle and personal property, such as a mailbox or fence
- A vehicle and a pedestrian or cyclist
In Virginia, uninsured and underinsured driver insurance can cover your damages after being the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Hit-and-run accidents are usually covered under two coverage types:
- Uninsured motorist property damage: This covers repairs to your property, including your vehicle, following a hit-and-run crash
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: This covers any medical expenses you incur following a hit-and-run accident
Protecting Injured Victims Since 1985
Car accident cases involving UM/UIM insurance are usually complicated. Fortunately, our personal injury attorneys have almost 40 years of experience in dealing with these types of accidents.
If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the Virginia car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can outline your legal options and determine all possible avenues of recovery based on your Virginia auto insurance policy. To schedule your free consultation, fill out the contact form on our website or call us at (833) 997-1774.
Related Content
- If The Accident Wasn’t My Fault, Why Do I Need My Insurance?
- Why Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is the Most Important in Your Virginia Car Insurance Policy
- Car Accident Lawyer in Virginia Beach Talks About Uninsured Drivers and What To Do If Hit by One
- Injured by an Uninsured Motorist Guide