Richmond Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Attorneys

Knowledgeable Lawyers for Uninsured and Underinsured (UM/UIM) Claims in Richmond, Virginia

In Virginia, all drivers are required to carry insurance in case of an accident. Unfortunately, despite this requirement, some drivers still choose to drive without valid insurance, which puts an unfair burden on car accident victims who were injured through no fault of their own. In some cases, a driver's insurance policy may not be enough to cover all damages. Thankfully, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help to address gaps in payment.

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, our Richmond, Virginia uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyers can help you pursue payment when a driver lacks adequate coverage to pay for your medical expenses, property damage, job-related losses, and pain and suffering.

What to Do When the Other Driver Cannot Be Found After a Crash in Virginia

Being struck by a driver who disappears before you can get their information leaves you without an obvious source of compensation. If this happens, try to note as many details as possible about the vehicle, including its color, make, model, and any part of the license plate, even if you only catch a partial number. Look for anyone nearby who might have witnessed the crash, since a description from a bystander can sometimes help identify the vehicle later, and nearby security or traffic cameras may have captured footage that police can review.

Call the police and file a report as soon as possible, even if you believe there is little chance of locating the other driver. This report becomes important documentation for your own insurance company, since most policies require prompt notice of an accident involving an unidentified vehicle in order for uninsured motorist coverage to apply. Photographing the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries can also help support your claim once you begin working with your insurer, and seeking medical attention right away creates a clear record connecting your injuries to the hit-and-run.

How Does Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work in Virginia?

Underinsured motorist coverage becomes relevant once you know who caused the crash but discover their insurance policy is not large enough to cover the full extent of your losses. Virginia law requires this coverage to be offered on auto policies, giving injured drivers a way to close the gap between what the at-fault driver's insurer will pay and what your claim is actually worth.

To pursue an underinsured motorist claim, you typically need to first settle or resolve the claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company, then notify your own insurer of the remaining balance.

Your insurer will evaluate the claim much like the at-fault driver's insurer would, which means you may still need to negotiate, and in some cases dispute, the value your own insurance company is willing to offer. Acting too quickly on the underlying claim without accounting for a possible underinsured claim can create complications later, so timing decisions should be made carefully.

Tips for Protecting Your UM/UIM Accident Claim

UM and UIM claims involve dealing with your own insurance company, which can create a false sense that the process will be simple or that your interests are automatically protected. A few practical steps can help protect your claim from the start:

• Report the accident to your insurer promptly and provide accurate details
• Keep thorough records of medical treatment, bills, and missed work
• Avoid giving a recorded statement before understanding your policy's terms
• Save photos, police reports, and any other evidence from the scene
• Review your policy limits so you understand what coverage may be available

Treating a UM or UIM claim with the same care as a claim against another driver's insurer, rather than assuming your own company will simply pay what is fair, can lead to a stronger outcome.

Contact Our Richmond UM/UIM Accident Lawyers Today

Dealing with your own insurance company after a crash can be more difficult than expected, especially when a significant claim is on the line. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we help clients pursue the full value of their UM and UIM claims. Call 804-500-9796 or contact our Richmond, Virginia UM/UIM accident attorneys to schedule a free case review.