Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Nevada

Car accidents can be devastating, and when you’re injured in a crash, you expect the at-fault party’s insurance to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, what happens when the driver who caused the accident either doesn’t have insurance (uninsured motorist) or doesn’t have enough coverage to fully compensate you for your losses (underinsured motorist)? In Nevada, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is crucial protection, and the Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys understanding how it works can make a significant difference in your ability to recover after an accident.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. According to Nevada law, all drivers are required to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. However, despite this requirement, many drivers still operate their vehicles without adequate coverage. If you’re in a collision with one of these drivers and they cannot pay for your damages, uninsured motorist coverage can step in to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your full expenses. For example, Nevada law requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. However, if your injuries result in medical bills that exceed those amounts, UIM coverage can make up the difference.

Why Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Important in Nevada?

While Nevada law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, many people drive with the minimum coverage, which may not be enough to cover serious injuries or property damage. Additionally, some drivers ignore the law and drive without insurance altogether. In these cases, having UM and UIM coverage ensures that you’re not left financially vulnerable.

The statistics are concerning. According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 13% of Nevada drivers were uninsured in recent years, which is significantly higher than the national average. This means there’s a real risk of encountering an uninsured driver in a crash, making UM and UIM coverage all the more essential.

How Do UM and UIM Coverage Work in Nevada?

In Nevada, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is typically included in your auto insurance policy, but it’s not mandatory. However, insurance companies must offer it to drivers when they purchase or renew their policy. If you opt out of UM or UIM coverage, you’ll need to sign a waiver acknowledging that decision.

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your insurance company will review the details of the crash and determine how much of your claim will be covered. Your insurance company may even pursue legal action against the at-fault driver to recover the costs, but the ultimate responsibility lies with your own insurance.

How Much Coverage Should You Have?

Nevada requires that drivers carry a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person. However, it’s generally recommended that drivers purchase higher limits for UM and UIM coverage to better protect themselves in the event of a serious accident. The amount of coverage you choose will depend on your financial situation and the potential costs of an accident, but opting for higher coverage limits can provide added peace of mind.

Legal Considerations

If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may need to seek legal assistance to navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with your insurance company, and pursue legal action if necessary.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides vital protection for drivers in Nevada. While Nevada law requires a minimum level of insurance, it’s important to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect yourself in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you haven’t already, consider reviewing your auto insurance policy to make sure you have sufficient UM and UIM coverage in place. Reach out to Mainor Ellis in Las Vegas today.