Car accidents can be stressful under the best of circumstances, but when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, the situation becomes far more complicated. Fortunately, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage exists to protect drivers in Idaho from serious financial hardship after accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.
At Johnson & Lundgreen in Boise Valley, we help injured drivers across Idaho, including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Twin Falls, understand their insurance options and pursue the compensation they need after serious accidents.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that pays for your injuries if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t carry liability insurance. This coverage helps ensure that victims of accidents are not left footing the bill for medical care, lost wages, or vehicle repairs when the responsible driver cannot pay.
In Idaho, UM coverage typically applies to:
- Bodily injury sustained in a crash with an uninsured driver
- Accidents caused by a hit-and-run driver
- Collisions where the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your injuries
Serious Accidents and UM Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is particularly important in accidents that result in serious injuries, such as:
- Fractures and broken bones requiring casts or surgical repair
- Back or spinal injuries that may require surgery or ongoing treatment
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries confirmed through MRIs or other imaging
- Soft tissue injuries with long-term effects
When injuries require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, or time off work, UM coverage can make the difference between recovering fully or facing overwhelming financial stress.
How UM Coverage Relates to Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Some drivers carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in addition to UM coverage. While UM protects against drivers who have no insurance, UIM kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages.
- If your medical bills and lost wages total $100,000 and the at-fault driver’s policy only covers $25,000, your UIM coverage may help bridge the gap.
- In serious Idaho accidents involving fractures, surgeries, or long-term care, UIM coverage is often essential for ensuring full compensation.
Idaho’s Legal Requirements
Idaho law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, which covers damages they cause to others. However, UM coverage is optional in Idaho. Drivers can purchase it to protect themselves in the event they are struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Because UM coverage is optional, many drivers either do not carry it or have insufficient limits. This is why knowing your own policy limits and ensuring you have adequate coverage is critical, especially if you are involved in a serious accident.
Why You Need an Experienced Idaho Auto Injury Attorney
Insurance companies often attempt to limit payouts under UM or UIM policies. Even if your coverage exists, adjusters may:
- Downplay the severity of injuries
- Dispute the accident’s circumstances
- Delay or deny payment
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we help Idaho drivers protect their rights by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy and UM/UIM limits
- Gathering evidence of serious injuries, including medical records, MRIs, and surgical reports
- Calculating past and future medical costs, lost wages, and other damages
- Negotiating with insurers to secure fair compensation
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary to pursue the full recovery you deserve
Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
- Seek immediate medical care for all injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
- Document your injuries thoroughly, including photos, treatment records, and diagnostic imaging.
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly and accurately.
- Preserve evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos of vehicle damage.
- Contact an experienced Idaho attorney from Johnson & Lundgreen to ensure your UM claim is handled correctly.
By taking these steps, you improve your chances of obtaining a settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries.
Protect Yourself After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Uninsured motorist coverage in Idaho is a critical protection for drivers facing serious injuries from accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists. When fractures, surgeries, or long-term injuries are involved, UM and UIM coverage can provide the financial relief needed for recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, or anywhere in Idaho, Johnson & Lundgreen can help you navigate your insurance claim, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your policy, your injuries, and your legal options so you can focus on healing.