Driving in Utah comes with its own set of risks, and one of the most frustrating is being involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance. Despite Utah’s laws requiring every driver to carry liability insurance, thousands of motorists on our roads remain uninsured.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed specifically for this scenario, acting as a vital safety net to protect you when the at-fault party cannot.
What Does UM Coverage Include?
In Utah, Uninsured Motorist coverage typically provides compensation for “bodily injury” damages. This means that if you are hit by someone without insurance, your own policy steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s missing insurance to pay for:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and medication.
- Lost Wages: Income lost if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- General Damages: This includes compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent impairment.
The “Opt-Out” Rule
Under Utah Code § 31A-22-305, insurance companies must provide UM coverage equal to your policy’s liability limits unless you specifically reject it in writing. Many drivers unknowingly waive this coverage to save a few dollars on their monthly premium. They find themselves personally responsible for massive medical bills after a “hit-and-run” or an accident with an uninsured driver.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
In Utah, UM coverage also applies to hit-and-run incidents where the other driver cannot be identified. To successfully file a UM claim in a hit-and-run scenario, there usually must be physical contact between the vehicles, or clear evidence that the unidentified driver caused the crash.
Why You Should Consider “Stacking”
Utah allows for a version of “stacking” in certain circumstances. If you have multiple vehicles on a single policy, or if you are covered under multiple policies, you may be able to combine the limits to ensure your medical costs are fully covered. This is particularly important for serious injuries where a standard $25,000 policy limit might be exhausted in the first few hours at the hospital.
Protecting Your Rights
Dealing with your own insurance company for a UM claim can be surprisingly adversarial. Even though you are their customer, the insurance company may try to minimize the value of your claim. Having a legal advocate ensures that your policy is interpreted correctly and that you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Contact Attorney David Head
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, don’t navigate the complex insurance landscape alone. Attorney David Head has the experience and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Protect your future and get a free consultation today.
- Attorney: David Head
- Phone: 801-691-7511
- Location: Serving clients throughout Utah