Winchester Uninsured Driver Accident Lawyers
Experienced Attorneys for Collisions With Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists in Winchester, VA
A car accident can be stressful under any circumstances, but when the driver who caused a collision had no insurance or did not carry enough coverage to fully address a victim's damages, a case can become even more complicated. Determining how to recover compensation in these cases can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that attempt to minimize payouts.
At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we understand the difficulties that accident victims face when dealing with injuries and damages caused by uninsured drivers. We have over 120 years of combined legal experience, which ensures that we can advocate effectively for clients during insurance claims. We fight to ensure that injury victims can receive the maximum compensation available in these situations.
The Challenges of Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
Virginia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but not every driver complies with this requirement. Some people may drive vehicles that are not covered by insurance, while others may carry only the minimum coverage required by law, which may not fully cover an accident victim's losses.
When a driver does not have sufficient insurance, victims may struggle to cover their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Without proper legal guidance, they may find themselves at the mercy of insurance companies that prioritize profits over providing fair compensation.
When Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Apply?
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can provide financial protection when a driver who was at fault for an accident lacks sufficient insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage applies when a driver has no liability insurance, left the scene of the accident (hit-and-run), or had an insurance policy that was canceled or expired. If a victim carries UM coverage, they can file a claim through their own car insurance policy to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, up to the policy limits.
Underinsured motorist coverage can address situations where a driver who was at fault has insurance, but the limits of their coverage are too low to fully compensate the victim. UIM coverage can cover the costs of injuries and losses that exceed the at-fault driver's insurance coverage.
Recovering Compensation in UM/UIM Cases
Even though UM and UIM coverage is designed to protect policyholders, insurance companies often make the claims process difficult. Some of the challenges victims may face include:
- Delayed or Denied Claims: Insurers may attempt to dispute coverage or argue that injuries are not as severe as claimed.
- Low Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may offer far less than the actual costs of medical treatment, lost income, and other damages.
- Complex Policy Limitations: Insurance policies may include exclusions or restrictions that make it difficult to access full coverage.
- Legal Disputes Over Liability: Insurers may attempt to shift blame onto the victim. Because Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, if an insurance company can prove that a victim was even 1 percent at fault for the accident, they may be denied compensation entirely.
How Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC Can Help with Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims, and we fight aggressively to ensure that our clients can receive the compensation they deserve. Our legal team has extensive experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist cases, and we are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims. As we address these issues, we can:
- Review Insurance Policies: We analyze our clients' policies and the coverage that is available to ensure that they will receive the maximum benefits.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: We will handle all communications and negotiations with insurers to prevent victims from being pressured into accepting low settlements.
- Gather Evidence to Support Claims: We will collect police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction data, medical records, and other relevant evidence to build strong cases for compensation.
- Litigate When Necessary: If an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take the case to court and fight for our clients' rights.
Contact Our Winchester, Virginia Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Accident Attorneys
You should not have to bear the financial burdens of the injuries and damages you have suffered due to the actions of a driver who did not have proper insurance coverage. Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve in these situations. By working with our lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal and financial complexities of your case. To schedule a free consultation, contact our firm at 540-662-4222.