nj uninsured motorist coverage

The aftermath of a car accident can leave physical and emotional scars.

At the law firm of O’Connor, Parson, Lane & Noble, we understand that emotions can quickly escalate when drivers discover they were hit by a motorist with little or no insurance coverage.

Accident victims should not have to reach into their own pockets to cover someone else’s negligent actions.

What is a NJ Uninsured Motorist Claim?

All New Jersey motor vehicles are required to carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, many people are driving around without insurance because their policy was canceled, not renewed or never purchased. If you were injured by someone who has no insurance, who do you recover from?

If you have your own auto insurance, you may have coverage called uninsured motorist coverage (UM). This insurance protects you in case someone without insurance causes you injury. It also covers situations where the person who caused the accident fled the scene and is unknown. Most policies carry this type of uninsured motorist coverage, but not all.

What is an Underinsured Motorist claim?

If the person who caused the accident has liability insurance for an amount less than the value of your injuries, you may be able to pursue a claim for underinsured motorist benefits from your own policy.

For example, if a car rear-ends you and causes you injuries and only has $15,000 in liability coverage, and you have auto insurance with limits of $100,000, you can make a claim for the additional $85,000 that you cannot collect from the defendant’s insurance.

Whose Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Insurance Covers Me?

This can be complicated based on a number of factors. If you own your own vehicle, even if it is not a vehicle involved in the accident, then your own auto insurance UM/UIM coverage will apply.

If you were injured in someone else’s vehicle, such as a family member, friend, employer, bus or taxi, then the insurance on that vehicle may also apply. Many times there are more than one policy of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage available to cover you for the injuries you sustained.

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Discuss Your Case with Our Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorneys Today

Because every uninsured/underinsured accident claim is unique, contact our New Jersey Uninsured Motorist Accident lawyers at the offices of O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble. Contact us online or call us at (908) 928-9200 or 1-800-586-5817.