When it comes to car accidents in Oregon, having the right auto insurance coverage can make all the difference. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of auto insurance is uninsured motorist coverage (UM). This coverage ensures you’re protected in the event of a motor vehicle accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough insurance—to cover your damages.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a mandatory part of every auto insurance policy in Oregon. It’s designed to protect you if you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Imagine this: you’re driving responsibly when an uninsured driver runs a red light and causes significant damage and injuries. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you could be left facing mounting medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages, with no compensation from the at-fault driver.

This coverage steps in to handle costs related to injuries sustained, such as pain and suffering, lost income, and both past and future medical care. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to recover these damages.

How Does It Work?

Uninsured motorist coverage applies regardless of the other party’s insurance status. It not only covers you when driving your own car, but can also cover you in various other scenarios, such as if you’re a pedestrian struck by an uninsured driver or a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. It’s vital to check your policy limits—Oregon requires a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, also known as a 25/50 policy. However, higher limits are often available and can provide additional security.

What Can You Recover?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps with the following:

• Medical bills: Covers treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensates for income lost while you recover.
• Pain and suffering: Addresses the emotional and physical toll of the accident.
• Property damage: Repairs or replaces damaged property, depending on your coverage.

However, your recovery will be capped at your policy limits. For instance, if your policy’s UM coverage is $25,000 and your medical bills exceed that amount, you may not be able to recover additional compensation unless you’ve purchased higher limits.

Why You Should Review Your Policy

Insurance companies are not obligated to pay more than the limits of your policy, no matter how severe the damages. It’s wise to review your auto insurance policy proactively to ensure you have sufficient coverage. Increasing your UM limits may cost a bit more in premiums but can provide peace of mind should the worst happen.

Filing a Claim for Uninsured Motorist Coverage

When filing an insurance claim under your UM coverage, it’s crucial to provide thorough documentation, including police reports, medical records, and any evidence of the accident. Working with an experienced car accident attorney can streamline the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, making it all the more important to have legal representation.

Conclusion

Being involved in a car crash with an uninsured motorist can be overwhelming, but uninsured motorist coverage provides a safety net to help you recover damages. Make sure to review your policy limits and consider increasing them if needed. If you’ve been in an accident and are navigating the complexities of an insurance claim, reach out to our experienced team of personal injury attorneys for guidance. We’re here to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

If you have questions about uninsured motorist coverage or need assistance with a car accident claim, Dwyer Williams Cherkoss is here to help. Call us today at (541) 617-0555 for a free consultation and expert legal guidance.