We have all heard the horror stories of someone badly injured in a car wreck by a person with minimal insurance or none at all. As the victim’s medical bills mount, the negligent party’s state minimum insurance policy is quickly exhausted leaving the victim on the hook for the balance. To avoid this predicament, the lawyers at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey recommend our clients consider uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is designed to help victims of car crashes caused by a person who either doesn’t have an auto insurance policy or has a policy with liability limits that are too low to cover the cost of damages. This extra coverage helps pay for the bills associated with the crash that would otherwise be left uncovered.

In Kentucky, the law requires uninsured motorist coverage at certain levels; however, the driver can opt-out of this coverage by stating so in writing. The lawyers at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson and Humphrey do not recommend opting out of the coverage.

When purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, first consider how much insurance you may need. Factors such as the worth of your car, the type of medical insurance you carry and whether your employer offers access to short-term and long-term disability are all important to consider. The limits for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can range anywhere from $25,000 to $1 million.

While the particular coverage depends on the wording of the policy, the insurance typically covers bodily injury and can also cover passengers in the insured car at the time of the crash.

To be fully protected in the event of an accident, you must have both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The lawyers at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey recommend that our clients be proactive when it comes to their protection. Often the best person to advise you on your insurance needs is a reliable local insurance agent. Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer for advice if you find yourself on the receiving end of a car wreck caused by a person with little to no insurance. The personal injury attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey have years of experience with these types of cases.