Although virtually every state in the country requires drivers to carry liability insurance at a minimum, many drivers decide to forgo insurance entirely.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 13% of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured. In Kentucky specifically, this percentage is 11.5%
Below, our Louisville car accident attorneys discuss what to do if you’re in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Kentucky law requires drivers to carry the following insurance coverage at a minimum:
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$25,000 for bodily injury damages sustained by one person
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$50,000 for bodily injury damages sustained by all persons in one accident
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$25,000 for property damage
Aside from liability coverage, there are also optional coverages that can benefit drivers. One of these, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), can pay for damages sustained in an accident that was caused by a driver with little to no insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for damages caused by a driver with no insurance at all, while underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages caused by a driver with insufficient insurance to cover the full cost.
UM/UIM coverage can pay for your medical treatment and car repairs after the accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision is another optional coverage that can benefit drivers in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. In this situation, your collision coverage will pay to repair damages to your vehicle. However, it will not pay for expenses related to your injuries.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
You may have the option to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you live in an “at-fault” insurance state. Kentucky, however, is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means each driver (and their insurer) are responsible for their own injuries and damages, regardless of who caused the accident.
So, you cannot typically sue the other driver in Kentucky except in certain situations, such as when you suffer serious injures and incurred medical bills over a certain amount.
Were You in an Accident Caused by an Uninsured Driver? Contact Us Today
If you were seriously injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, or in a hit-and-run accident, our Louisville personal injury lawyers can help you seek justice. We can work with you to come up with an action plan to recover compensation under Kentucky’s laws.
Contact Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC today at (502) 244-7772 to learn how we may assist you.