When Insurance Isn’t Enough: Understanding Underinsured Motorist Claims

Car accidents are stressful enough without the added worry of whether the other driver has enough insurance to cover the damages. Unfortunately, many drivers in Indiana carry only the minimum required coverage. While this may meet state law, it often falls far short of covering the costs associated with serious injuries, lost income, and long-term medical treatment. In these cases, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can provide critical protection. Understanding how these claims work, and when they become necessary, can make the difference between financial hardship and a secure path to recovery.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when the driver who caused your accident does not have sufficient insurance to pay for the damages they caused. For example, Indiana law requires drivers to carry liability coverage, but many choose the lowest limits allowed. If you are badly injured in a crash, medical bills and lost wages can quickly exceed those limits, leaving you responsible for the difference.

UIM coverage steps in to bridge the gap. It applies when the at-fault driver’s policy is exhausted, but your own expenses continue to climb. This type of coverage is not only valuable but often essential in ensuring victims are not left with devastating out-of-pocket costs.

Why UIM Coverage Is Important in Indiana

Medical expenses alone from a serious accident can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. Add in lost income, rehabilitation, and long-term care, and the financial impact can become overwhelming. If the other driver only carries minimum liability coverage, you may only recover a fraction of what you actually need.

This is where UIM coverage becomes a lifeline. By activating your own policy, you can seek additional compensation that reflects the true extent of your losses. Without it, many victims find themselves facing financial strain just as they are trying to heal physically and emotionally.

How Underinsured Motorist Claims Work

Filing a UIM claim may sound straightforward, but in practice, it can be complex. Insurance companies, your own included, are not always eager to pay out the maximum benefits available under your policy. Instead, they may attempt to limit payouts, argue over the value of your claim, or delay the process.

To file a UIM claim, you generally must:

• Prove the other driver was at fault for the accident.
• Show that their liability coverage has been fully exhausted.
• Demonstrate that your damages exceed what their policy covered.

An attorney can help navigate this process, ensuring deadlines are met and that your insurer honors the full extent of your coverage.

Common Challenges in UIM Claims

While the coverage is meant to protect you, UIM claims often involve disputes. Insurance companies may claim your injuries were not as severe as reported, argue that treatment was unnecessary, or contend that some damages were unrelated to the accident. These tactics can delay or reduce your recovery.

Additionally, UIM claims sometimes require negotiation or litigation to resolve. Having legal guidance ensures that your rights are protected and that the insurance company is held accountable for honoring the policy you paid for.

The Role of Attorneys in UIM Cases

Navigating an underinsured motorist claim is rarely simple, especially when insurers are motivated to protect their own bottom line. Having the right legal support can make all the difference. Skilled Indianapolis car accident attorneys know how to uncover the true value of your claim, preserve crucial evidence, and challenge the tactics insurance companies often use to minimize payouts. They also ensure that every aspect of your damages is accounted for, from immediate medical bills and lost wages to long-term care needs and the pain and suffering you have endured.

With experienced legal guidance, victims can focus on recovery instead of fighting uphill battles with insurers. An attorney’s involvement often leads to stronger negotiations and, when necessary, a compelling court case.

When to Seek Legal Help

If you have been involved in a car accident and suspect the at-fault driver’s insurance will not cover your losses, it is important to act quickly. Evidence must be preserved, deadlines must be met, and communication with insurers must be handled carefully. Reaching out to an attorney early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your claim is as strong as possible from the start.

Contact Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP

If you are facing mounting bills after an accident caused by a driver with insufficient insurance, you do not have to bear the burden alone. The attorneys at Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, have decades of experience guiding Indiana families through the challenges of underinsured motorist claims. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.

Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you secure the protection your insurance coverage is meant to provide.