New Jersey Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

If you have the misfortune of being involved in an auto collision, it can sometimes be comforting to know that car insurance coverage, whether it is your own or the other driver’s, can help pay for medical treatment and property damage. However, in cases where the other driver does not have auto insurance, you might find yourself in a difficult situation.

Moreover, insurance companies may be of little help when you file your claim. Even though you are filing a first-party claim with your own insurance that you pay premiums to, your insurance carrier might deny your claim without giving a reason.

A reliable New Jersey uninsured or underinsured motorist accident lawyer can help put your insurance company on notice that you are prepared to take advantage of all your legal rights if your claim is not handled properly. Speak to a dedicated car crash attorney about fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Important Auto Insurance Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey law requires Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) for every car insurance policy as well as an option for purchasing Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM). Both UM and UIM enable drivers who have been involved in an auto accident to file a claim with their own insurance company.

UM and UIM is an optional coverage and can range anywhere from $15,000 to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident (excess/umbrella policies can also provide additional UM/UIM coverage). The limits generally match the recipient’s liability coverage and place a cap on how much coverage someone can expect to receive from the insurance company.

For instance, if a driver is hit by an uninsured motorist, the driver who was hit can file a claim for damages, but the claim will not exceed the limits of the insurance policy. On the other hand, if a driver was involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist, the driver who was hit can file a claim against the underinsured motorist for the maximum amount the policy allows.

Can Insurance Companies Deny Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims?

In many cases, insurance companies will try to get out of paying for damages. While UMC and UIM may sound promising in terms of financial recovery, there is no guarantee that the claim will be approved. Both types of coverages can create situations known as bad faith. Insurance bad faith is largely considered to be deceitful dealing and encompasses a wide array of practices by insurance companies. Insurance companies should provide a reason for claim denials. However, there are certain cases where a valid claim is denied without a valid reason.

When it comes to approving requests for medical treatments, insurance companies are highly aware that time is of the essence. If a physician or medical specialist has prescribed care that is necessary to treat a medical condition caused by the accident, the insurance company is responsible to act on that request within a reasonable amount of time.

Some insurance companies will unreasonably delay or deny a claim just to simply get out of paying the policyholder. It is not unusual for an insurance company to preserve and promote profitability at the expense of conscientious care. For help determining whether an insurance company’s actions amount to bad faith, speak with an uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorney in New Jersey.

Speak with a New Jersey Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney

Filing an insurance claim after an auto accident can be a difficult process, and it is only more complicated if the driver was uninsured or underinsured. While you may have the option to pursue a first-party claim with your insurance company, there is a possibility of being denied.

A knowledgeable New Jersey uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer can help you understand the claims process and can fight to obtain the compensation that you are entitled to. Call today for a free consultation.