When driving by the fender-bender or the scene of a horrible crash, we might think "I'm glad that's not me!”. What if you were the one on the stretcher or being cared for by the medics? Are you covered with insurance to get you through an injury accident?
I am concerned over the worsening economy for many reasons. One of these is the potential impact it is going to have on the legal claims processes. I want to share my concerns with you, in order that you have advance notice to protect yourself, as best as possible, against the coming storm.
Recently I have encountered several cases wherein new clients retained us to assist them with their claims arising out of motor vehicle collisions. These were not serious collisions with serious damages, but they were important cases wherein these clients had been injured, had medical bills to pay, and had lost some time from work. They were the types of claims that we continue to handle, and continue to help people obtain fair and appropriate settlements, depending on each individual circumstance. However, after getting involved in these particular claims, we learned that the at-fault drivers did not have any auto insurance. At the scene of the collision, they presented a valid insurance card to the police officer, but prior to that time had called their insurance company and cancelled, or simply failed to pay the premium. Either way, they had no insurance to pay the losses sustained by our clients.
Recent studies in Arizona estimate that as many as 40% of all drivers do not have any insurance at all. When a driver refuses or is unable to carry proper motor vehicle insurance, that driver puts everyone at risk. Injured parties, however, can protect themselves through their own insurance policies, with Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
In Arizona, people have the option of buying Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists Coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage provides insurance coverage if one is injured by an Uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage provides supplemental insurance coverage if the adverse driver has insurance but not enough to cover the injured person’s damages. People in Arizona can also purchase Medical Payments coverage, which is not real expensive and an excellent coverage to have regardless of the insurance status of the other driver.
We are in the midst of some very difficult economic times. As people lose their jobs, their financial circumstances grow difficult, and tough decisions must be made. Food and shelter come first, of course, and it is very possible that automobile insurance coverage may become a bill that people can no longer afford to pay (even though it is required by Arizona law). You can protect yourselves against these drivers. I strongly recommend that you contact your insurance agent to discuss your insurance coverage, to determine what is best to protect you under these circumstances.
