Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave accident victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage with no clear path to recovery. Unfortunately, not all drivers carry enough insurance, and some lack insurance altogether. Under Connecticut law, drivers must rely on their own insurance coverage in many of these situations.
At Gould Injury Law, we help Connecticut drivers understand their rights and legal options after a car accident involving an uninsured driver.
How Common Are Uninsured Driver Accidents in Connecticut?
Despite insurance requirements, uninsured driver accidents occur every year. Some drivers allow their coverage to lapse, while others carry only minimum liability insurance that is not enough to cover serious injuries.
Uninsured and underinsured drivers create financial risk for other motorists, especially after a serious motor vehicle accident.
Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
An uninsured driver has no liability insurance at all.
An underinsured driver has insurance, but the policy limits are too low to fully cover your injuries and losses.
Both situations are handled through uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, often referred to as UM/UIM coverage.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage are parts of your own auto insurance policy. UM/UIM coverage helps pay for damages when the at fault driver lacks insurance or does not have enough insurance.
In Connecticut, UM/UIM coverage may include:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Uninsured motorist property damage (in limited cases)
This coverage exists to protect Connecticut drivers when other drivers cannot pay.
What to Do Immediately After the Car Accident
If you are hit by an uninsured driver:
- Call the police and request a police report
- Seek medical care right away
- Gather insurance information from the other driver
- Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Gather evidence and witness information
Do not confront the uninsured driver directly about payment.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
When the other driver lacks insurance, you typically file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. This is done through your own auto insurance policy, not the other driver’s insurance.
Even though it is your own insurer, insurance companies still protect their financial interests during the claim process.
When Underinsured Motorist Coverage Applies
If the at fault driver has liability insurance but not enough insurance to cover your damages, underinsured motorist coverage applies.
UM/UIM coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Bodily injury damages
- Pain and suffering
Coverage depends on your policy limits and coverage limits.
Other Insurance That May Apply
Depending on your car insurance policy, additional coverage may help:
- Medical payments coverage
- Collision coverage for vehicle repairs
- Comprehensive coverage in certain situations
- Health insurance for medical costs
Understanding how coverage pays is critical after a car crash.
Insurance Companies and Claim Disputes
Insurance companies often dispute:
- Injury severity
- Medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Policy limits
- Liability coverage
Even your own insurance company may challenge an uninsured motorist claim.
Connecticut Law and Uninsured Drivers
Under Connecticut law, uninsured drivers may face penalties, including registration suspension. However, those penalties do not help accident victims recover financially.
Legal action is often necessary to secure fair compensation through available insurance coverage.
Legal Options for Injury Victims
Accident victims may have legal options when insurance disputes arise. A personal injury claim may involve:
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Challenging coverage denials
- Ensuring policy limits are properly applied
An experienced attorney can guide injury victims through the claim process.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Uninsured driver cases are more complex than standard car accident claims. Insurance policies, UM/UIM rules, and Connecticut law all affect the outcome.
A law firm with experience handling uninsured underinsured motorist cases can help protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Speak With Gould Injury Law
If you were injured in a car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in Connecticut, you may still have options for recovery.
Gould Injury Law represents injury victims across Connecticut and helps clients navigate uninsured motorist claims, insurance disputes, and personal injury cases.
Contact Gould Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
