What happens if you are in a Seattle motorcycle accident and find out that the other driver does not have motor vehicle insurance or simply does not have sufficient insurance to cover the damages and loss? If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, there is a good chance that you will be covered. Everybody operating a motor vehicle in the state of Washington is required by law to have auto insurance. But statistics from the Insurance Research Council show that the estimated number of uninsured drivers can reach 25 percent in some states.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Washington can cover injuries to you and your passengers as well as property damage in the event of an auto accident — when the other driver is held legally responsible for the accident and lacks insurance. An uninsured driver is someone who does not have insurance or has insurance that does not meet state-mandated liability requirements. An underinsured driver is someone who has insurance that meets minimum legal requirements, but does not have payment limits high enough to pay for the damage caused by the accident.

In most states purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory. It is important that you consider adding this coverage to your auto insurance because it could compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. If an uninsured driver hits you and the accident is their fault, you’re not going to get any money from them if they don’t have the funds to pay you. It is very important that you buy uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself and your family in the event of an auto accident.

To recover benefits under an uninsured or underinsured motorist policy, the victim will typically need to show that the other motorist was at fault. The victim will also need to prove that his or her bodily injuries were significant. To collect benefits under an underinsured motorist policy, the victim will need to collect as much as possible from the at-fault driver’s insurance company before filing the claim.

Underinsured or uninsured motorist claims in Tacoma can arise from various types of accidents including motorcycle accidents. Our Washington motorcycle accident attorneys are well-versed in uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists law as it applies to Washington. If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance or sufficient insurance, please call the Bernard Law Firm to receive a free personal consultation.

Recovering damages or compensation after any serious Washington auto or motorcycle accident requires the expertise of an attorney with the legal and financial resources to effectively investigate, negotiate and litigate your claim. Talk to a skilled Tacoma underinsured motorist accident lawyer from the Bernard Law Firm before you speak to your insurance company. We will ensure that you understand your legal rights and options before you make any important decisions relating to your claim.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!