Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is typically a stressful process, especially if you sustained injuries. Many people expect that the other driver’s car insurance will cover their losses, but this is not always the case. Not all drivers are insured. Many more are inadequately insured. Thus, when an accident occurs, complex insurance issues may arise.
No matter your situation, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims can be frustrating. Every insurance company has a duty to handle claims in good faith. In some cases, insurance companies will take an overly adversarial approach to your claim and look for ways out of compensating you for your injuries.
To make an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim, it is highly advisable to contact a skilled Camden County uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer who can help you build a claim. An aggressive Camden car accident attorney can advocate for your rights to compensation.
The Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured in Camden County
According to data gathered by the Insurance Information Institute, 14.9 percent of New Jersey residents were uninsured in 2015. Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage are two different types of insurance protection. Many times, they are grouped together because they both protect policyholders in cases where collisions occur and drivers are not adequately insured.
New Jersey requires that drivers carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage with minimum coverage amounts. These amounts include:
- $15,000 for injuries suffered by one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injuries suffered by all parties injured
- $5,000 for property damage caused in an accident
Underinsured motorist coverage, on the other hand, can pay for damages if the driver did not have enough insurance to cover the claim. New Jersey has instituted a program known as the Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) that allows drivers to purchase car insurance at a low price but offers less protection than a standard policy. SAIP may cover property damages and personal injury for the driver but may not protect him or her from claims that arise following an accident. Drivers covered by SAIP might not be able to pay the full cost of damages. This is known as an underinsured driver. Anyone with questions about these insurance policies should consult a Camden County uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with an uninsured underinsured motorist lawyer serving Camden, call (856) 528-4494
The Technicalities of Insurance Claims
In many uninsured/underinsured personal injury cases, the insurance company makes the final decision in a settlement. Nearly every insurance contract contains an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. However, insurance companies can deny claims and may do so without providing a reason.
Insurance companies that refuse to pay or defend a claim in bad faith may be held accountable for their actions. Some examples of an insurance company’s bad faith include:
- Failing to properly investigate a claim
- Denying a claim without asserting a reasonable basis
- Using deceptive practices to deny compensation
- Misrepresenting the terms of coverage
- Offering a low amount insufficient to compensate for injuries sustained
First-party bad faith claims against insurance companies are generally brought by policyholders who suffered a personal injury. If the driver who caused the auto accident was uninsured, the victim may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim or lawsuit against their insurance company, to compensate for medical expenses and other damages. Or contact our Camden personal injury lawyers if you or a loved one have been injured.
Camden Uninsured Underinsured Motorist Lawyer Near Me (856) 528-4494
Asking a Camden County Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney
Those involved in uninsured/underinsured auto accidents face a variety of questions and concerns. A knowledgeable Camden County uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer can help determine whether you can seek compensation for your injuries and address a range of complicated matters in uninsured and underinsured motorist accident cases. Call today to set up a free consultation.
Call or text (856) 528-4494 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form