Who pays the medical bill if you are involved in an accident where at fault party is uninsured and have motorist coverage but do insurance?
In the United States, if you are involved in a traffic accident and the at-fault party does not have auto insurance, your medical bills will be covered by your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance, provided that you have such coverage under your insurance policy.
UM/UIM coverage protects you and your family against damages and injuries caused by uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run drivers. It is an optional coverage that most insurance providers offer, and it is highly recommended to have this type of protection to ensure financial protection in case of such accidents.
Here's how UM/UIM coverage works in these scenarios:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If the at-fault driver is completely uninsured, your UM coverage would provide compensation for your medical bills and other damages sustained in the accident, up to the limits specified in your policy. UM coverage serves as a safety net to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and compensation, regardless of the at-fault driver's insurance status.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If the at-fault driver has some insurance coverage but it is insufficient to cover the extent of your damages, UIM coverage kicks in. UIM coverage bridges the gap between the at-fault driver's insurance coverage and your expenses, up to your policy limits. UIM coverage ensures you are compensated for the full range of damages you have suffered, including medical bills and other losses, beyond what the at-fault driver's insurance can provide.
It is important to note that UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in all states, so it's crucial to check your policy and ensure that you have adequate UM/UIM coverage in place. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may need to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, which can be a challenging process if the driver is genuinely unable to pay.
By having UM/UIM coverage, you safeguard your financial interests and protect yourself against the risks of uninsured or underinsured drivers.