You did everything right. You bought insurance, you drove carefully, and someone hit you anyway. Then you learn the other driver has no insurance, or not nearly enough to cover your medical bills. In Oregon, this is exactly the situation uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage was built for.
What UM/UIM Coverage Does
Under Oregon law (ORS 742.502, available at oregonlegislature.gov), every auto policy issued in the state must include UM/UIM coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. When the at-fault driver doesn’t have a policy sufficient to pay all damages, your own policy steps in. It covers:
- Medical expenses for you and your passengers
- Lost wages while you recover
- Pain and suffering caused by the crash
- Injuries from hit-and-run drivers who are never identified
When It Applies
Your UM/UIM coverage may apply in more situations than you’d expect, including when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance at all
- The at-fault driver’s policy is too small to cover your damages
- You’re the victim of a hit-and-run or drunk driving accident
- You’re hurt as a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist
Here’s the frustrating part: Even though it’s your own insurance company, they rarely make it easy to collect what you’re owed.
We Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Salem or anywhere in Oregon, Lance Youd knows how to hold insurance companies to their promises. Your case review is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact Youd Law today and let us carry the burden while you focus on healing.