New Haven Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Lawyer

New Haven Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Attorney

Connecticut state laws require auto insurance in order to legally operate a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, the same people who drive while their driver’s license is suspended or with outdated license tag registration are often the ones who drive without sufficient car insurance.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash by a negligent motorist who did not carry enough insurance to cover the costs of injuries sustained, contact our law firm. Our personal injury attorneys can help ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to through your own auto accident policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorists’ provisions.

Uninsured and underinsured New Haven motorists coverage may pay for medical bills for the owner of the vehicle as well as for family members residing in the same household. If you were injured in a car accident by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, your own auto insurance coverage will come into play. Most automobile accident policies cover losses involving an underinsured or uninsured motorist (UM/UIM). This type of coverage will be important if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident and the other vehicle has not been identified.

How is Fault Determined in Connecticut?

Connecticut follows a “fault-based” system to determine who is primarily responsible for a car accident. In this system, the driver at-fault for the collision is responsible for expenses, repairs, and losses incurred by the crash victims. Insurance companies in New Haven usually determine fault by reviewing:

• Police Reports: An insurance company typically starts with a police report when determining fault for an accident. If you’re involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, you should immediately call the police to have them assess the scene and create a report. They will assess injuries, record property damage, and create an in-depth accident brief.
• Evidence: A thorough insurance company reviews all applicable evidence of a car crash. They may check photos of the scene, photos of vehicle damage, debris in the road, location of traffic signs and signals, and other pertinent information. Before leaving the scene of an accident, be sure to photograph your car, the vehicle of the uninsured motorist, and the area where the crash occurred.
• Witness Testimonies: Understandably, drivers are usually reluctant to admit that they caused or were largely responsible for a collision. This is where unbiased witness testimony comes in. Following a crash with an uninsured motorist, you should look for witnesses that may be able to offer neutral insights into how the incident occurred.

How Jacobs & Jacobs Handles Uninsured New Haven Driver Cases

Because of the unpredictability of other drivers’ insurance coverage, Jacobs & Jacobs attorneys encourage anyone with auto insurance to purchase optional doubled UI/UIM coverage—”conversion coverage”—and/or an umbrella policy to be prepared for potential accidents and injuries. Likewise, we warn people not to sign waivers reducing uninsured motorist coverage below liability limits.

Even a motorist who is operating his or her car legally and has the minimum required liability insurance may turn out to be an underinsured driver if you sustain a serious injury. A catastrophic injury will undoubtedly incur more medical expenses than the $40,000 minimum required bodily injury liability.

In some instances, your insurance company may refuse to pay a New Haven uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. They may state that you failed to notify them on time or that you lack evidence to support your case, such as medical bills or proof of lost wages. In this case, you need to contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible. We can help determine whether the refusal to pay is valid or an act of bad faith on the insurance company’s behalf.

Get in touch with us online or call (203) 777-2300 to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.