Grand Rapids Injury Lawyer for Accidents Involving Uninsured Motorists

Attorney for Injury Victims of Car Crashes Caused by Underinsured Motorists in West Michigan

Despite Michigan laws requiring all drivers to have car insurance, recent estimates suggest that more than 20 percent of drivers in the state are uninsured. One possible reason for this is the high cost of required Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The State of Michigan amended its car insurance laws in July 2020 with the goal of making coverage more affordable, so the number of uninsured drivers may decline in the near future. However, a significant portion will likely continue to drive without insurance, and many more will hold policies with lower liability limits that may be insufficient to fully cover an injured person's damages in the event of an accident.

If you have been injured in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be facing even more stress and uncertainty than the average accident victim as you try to figure out who will pay for your expenses. Fortunately, there are several options that can provide much-needed relief, and at John D. Tallman, PLC, we can help you pursue every avenue available to you for compensation. To ease your immediate financial burden, we only require compensation from you if we are able to reach a settlement or achieve a verdict in your favor.

Compensation Options After a Michigan Uninsured Driver Accident

Your best chance for compensation after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is to file a claim with your own car insurance policy. Michigan does not require all drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in their insurance policies, but it is an option with most providers. Given the high number of uninsured drivers in Michigan, it is a good idea to purchase this optional coverage, which provides additional protection specifically when an accident is the fault of a driver who does not have insurance, or whose insurance cannot cover the extent of the damages. When you file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage, you can receive compensation for economic damages such as medical expenses and lost income, as well as non-economic damages due to pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment.

If you do not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to receive some compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver, but keep in mind that the assets of uninsured drivers are often limited. You may have more success with a lawsuit when there are other liable parties besides the uninsured driver, for example, in a case where a bar or restaurant served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver who then caused a drunk driving accident.

Contact a Grand Rapids Car Accident Attorney

Attorney John Tallman understands how confusing a car accident with an uninsured motorist can be, and with his experience, he can advise you on your best options for compensation. He will help you gather the information you need to make a claim with your insurance provider and determine whether a lawsuit can help you obtain any further relief. We offer free consultations when you contact us at 616-361-8850, and we serve clients throughout Kent County, Ottawa County, and Muskegon County, including in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, and the surrounding areas.