Car accidents are stressful enough on their own, but they can become even more complicated when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. This is where underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance comes into play. In Iowa and Nebraska, UIM insurance provides crucial protection if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has insurance but not enough to fully compensate you for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
Whether you’re already familiar with your auto insurance coverage or just learning about UIM for the first time, this article will provide an in-depth look at underinsured motorist insurance in Iowa and Nebraska. We’ll explain what UIM coverage is, how it works, why it’s important, and what you need to know to protect yourself in the event of an accident with an underinsured driver.
Underinsured motorist insurance (UIM) is a type of auto insurance coverage that helps cover your damages when you’re involved in an accident with a driver whose liability insurance is insufficient to pay for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
For example, if the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is $25,000, but your medical bills and lost wages total $100,000, your UIM coverage can pay the remaining $75,000, assuming your UIM limits are high enough.
Both Iowa and Nebraska have laws regarding uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but the rules for underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are slightly different.
In Iowa, UIM coverage is not required by law. However, insurance companies are required to offer both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to all policyholders. It’s up to you whether or not you choose to purchase UIM coverage, but it’s highly recommended to protect yourself from underinsured drivers.
In Nebraska, UIM coverage is also not mandatory, but insurers must offer it to policyholders. Like Iowa, it’s not required by law, but purchasing UIM coverage is an important safeguard in the event of an accident involving a driver with insufficient insurance.
While drivers in Iowa and Nebraska are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, these limits may not be enough to cover the full cost of your damages after a serious accident. Here’s why underinsured motorist insuranceis critical for protecting yourself:
In both Iowa and Nebraska, the minimum liability insurance requirements are relatively low:
If you’re involved in a serious accident, these limits may not come close to covering your medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other damages. For example, a single hospital stay or surgery can easily exceed $50,000.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage isn’t enough to compensate you, your underinsured motorist coverage steps in to fill the gap. This financial protection can be crucial, especially if you’re dealing with severe injuries or long-term medical care.
Even minor car accidents can result in significant medical bills, especially when you factor in emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and time off work. In more severe cases, such as accidents resulting in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or spinal cord injuries, the cost of treatment and rehabilitation can be astronomical.
Without UIM coverage, you may be left paying these expenses out of pocket if the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover everything.
When you’re involved in a car accident with an underinsured driver, the process for using your UIM coverage will vary slightly depending on whether the accident occurred in Iowa or Nebraska. Here’s how it typically works:
After the accident, the first step is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their liability coverage will pay for your damages up to their policy limits.
Once the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is exhausted, your attorney will compare your total damages with the available coverage. If your losses exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, they are considered underinsured, and your UIM coverage can come into play.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company under your UIM coverage. Your UIM policy will cover the difference between the at-fault driver’s insurance and the total amount of your damages, up to your UIM policy limits.
Insurance companies may try to dispute the value of your claim or argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Your personal injury attorney will negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to under your UIM policy.
If you’re involved in a car accident with an underinsured driver, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Your health is the most important priority. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can become more serious over time.
Contact local law enforcement and file an accident report. This official documentation will be important when filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance and your UIM coverage.
Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident, including:
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when there’s a question of underinsurance. A skilled personal injury attorney will help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
When filing a UIM claim, it’s important to take steps to maximize the amount of compensation you receive. Here are some tips to help ensure you get the most out of your UIM coverage:
Keep detailed records of all medical bills, doctor’s appointments, and treatments related to your injuries. This documentation will be essential when proving the value of your UIM claim.
Insurance companies may try to offer a lowball settlement to save money. Don’t accept the first offer without consulting with your attorney. Your attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement that fully covers your damages.
In addition to medical expenses, your UIM claim should account for all of your damages, including:
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your UIM claim. They will handle all negotiations with the insurance company, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance is essential for protecting yourself in the event of an accident with a driver who has insufficient liability coverage. In both Iowa and Nebraska, UIM insurance can help cover the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance and your total damages, ensuring that you’re not left paying for medical bills, lost wages, or property damage out of pocket.
At Ironclad Injury Law, we specialize in handling car accident cases in Iowa and Nebraska, including those involving underinsured drivers. If you’ve been injured in an accident with an underinsured driver, contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the claims process, fight for fair compensation, and protect your rights.
