Getting hit by another driver is stressful enough, but finding out that person doesn’t have insurance can make things even more overwhelming. Nevada requires every driver to carry liability insurance, yet many people on the road ignore the law and remain uninsured. If you are hurt or your car is damaged by an uninsured driver, you might not know where to turn or how you’ll cover your bills. Fortunately, you still have a few important options to help recover your losses if you’re struck by an uninsured driver in Las Vegas.
Nevada’s Insurance Requirements
Nevada requires every driver to carry certain minimum levels of auto insurance. The state’s mandatory liability coverage is set at $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 maximum per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. This basic liability insurance is intended to cover injuries or property damage you cause to others in a crash.
Optional Coverages (for Better Protection):
Though not required, several insurance extras can offer much more security:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Reimburses for damage to your vehicle not caused by a crash, like theft, fire, or vandalism.
- Collision Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your own vehicle if it’s damaged in any kind of accident, whether or not you were at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who lacks adequate insurance.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Helps cover medical or funeral costs for you and your passengers no matter who caused the accident.
Having the right coverage in place is critical for financial protection, especially after an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in Las Vegas.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or as often happens, not enough coverage, uninsured motorist (UM) insurance could be your lifeline. Knowing how UM and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage works can protect you from serious financial loss,
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are types of car insurance that pay for your injuries and losses if you’re struck by a driver who has no insurance (UM) or less than enough to cover your costs (UIM). This coverage also extends to passengers in your car and can protect you in hit-and-run situations.
Why Having This Coverage Protects You
Nevada only requires liability insurance, and many drivers still avoid paying for even the minimum. If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage and are hit by an uninsured driver, you might have to pay for your own repairs and medical care out of pocket. With this coverage in place, your own insurance steps in to help when the at-fault driver can’t pay.
How It Helps Cover Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Pain and Suffering
UM/UIM coverage doesn’t just pay hospital bills. It can help replace your income if you can’t work, reimburse for ongoing therapy, and provide compensation for long-term pain, emotional suffering, and changes in your quality of life due to accident injuries. It works just like the at-fault driver’s liability insurance would have, stepping in when that protection falls short.
UM Is Optional – But Highly Recommended in Nevada
While Nevada law does not require drivers to purchase UM/UIM coverage, having it is strongly advised. With so many uninsured drivers on the road – especially in urban and tourist-heavy areas like Las Vegas – UM/UIM coverage is a low-cost way to ensure you’re not financially devastated by someone else’s lack of responsibility.
Other Possible Options for Compensation
If you don’t have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, there may still be other options you can consider to get the compensation you need.
Filing a Claim Through MedPay or Health Insurance
If you’re carrying medical payments (MedPay) coverage, this can help you pay medical bills from any crash, regardless of who was at fault, up to your MedPay limits. Additionally, your own health insurance may pay for accident-related care, though you will owe deductibles and copays, and your insurer might seek part of any later settlement you win.
Suing the At-Fault Uninsured Driver
In theory, you can file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured motorist who caused the accident. However, collecting a judgment may be very difficult. Many drivers who skip insurance do so because they don’t have significant incomes or assets and may never be able to pay even if you win your case. In these cases, a court order for repayment is often worthless in practice.
Why You Need an Attorney
An experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney can play a crucial role in making sure you get the compensation you need after an accident with an uninsured driver. Here’s how a lawyer helps throughout the process:
Investigating All Possible Sources of Compensation
A skilled attorney will investigate every potential avenue for recovery. They can review your auto and health insurance policies, look for umbrella or MedPay coverage, and determine if you have any claims against third parties. This kind of thorough investigation can reveal benefits you might not realize were available.
Negotiating with Your Insurance Company
Insurers are often more concerned about profits than your well-being. A lawyer can handle tough negotiations, push for prompt payment, and fight for your full policy limits when you make a UM/UIM or MedPay claim. Having legal representation helps even the playing field when facing corporate insurance adjusters.
Protecting Your Rights if the Insurer Delays or Denies Coverage
Insurance companies sometimes drag their feet or wrongfully deny claims, hoping you’ll give up or accept less than you deserve. Your attorney is your advocate, challenging unnecessary delays, wrongful denials, and unfair settlement offers so your rights and interests are fully protected. Working with a knowledgeable Las Vegas car accident lawyer can make all the difference after a Las Vegas accident with an uninsured driver, taking pressure off you and allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
