When you’re involved in a car accident caused by a driver with insufficient insurance coverage, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is your safety net. Oregon mandates this essential policy in all vehicle insurance plans to ensure protection when the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover your expenses.

What Is UIM Coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover your damages. For instance, if someone runs a red light and causes a car crash, resulting in injuries requiring $100,000 in medical care, but their liability coverage only provides the $25,000 state minimum, UIM bridges the gap.

Your own policy can provide additional funds, stacking on top of the at-fault driver’s coverage. For example, if your UIM limit is $100,000, you could access $125,000 in total coverage—$25,000 from the at-fault driver and $100,000 from your own policy.

What Does UIM Cover?
UIM coverage is designed to address various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers immediate and long-term medical care resulting from car accidents.
• Lost Wages: Provides compensation for income lost during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Supports recovery for non-economic damages.

Why Reviewing Your Policy Is Crucial
In Oregon, the state minimum for UIM coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. While these limits provide some protection, increasing them is a smart and cost-effective way to prepare for unforeseen motor vehicle accidents. Adjusting your policy now could save you significant financial stress later.  This is particularly true when only the policy limit applicable at the time of your injury will apply - if you increase your limit the day after you are injured, it will do you no good to cover that injury!

Steps to Take Today

1. Review Your Policy: Understand your current UIM limits.
2. Consider Increasing Coverage: If the minimum limits feel insufficient, speak with your insurance provider about raising them.
3. Know Your Rights: UIM ensures you’re not left without financial recourse, even if the fault driver is underinsured.
4. Consult an Attorney: Accident attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of underinsured motorists coverage and file a claim effectively.

Proactively Protect Yourself
Car accidents happen when you least expect them, and injuries sustained can lead to mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term challenges. Taking proactive steps to increase your UIM limits can help ensure maximum compensation for your damages and peace of mind for you and your family.

Contact Us Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident or motor vehicle accident and need help navigating your underinsured motorist coverage claim, contact Dwyer Williams Cherkoss at (541) 617-0555. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.