Hit by an Uninsured Motorist in Colorado? Here’s What You Can Do

Colorado law requires that all drivers carry motor vehicle insurance. Drivers in Colorado are required to hold insurance policies that cover bodily injury and property damage. Just because insurance is required, doesn’t mean that all drivers will carry it. According to the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 13.3% of Colorado drivers are uninsured. 

After an accident, getting the other driver’s insurance information is one of the most important steps; especially if they are uninsured. If you were in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may need the help of a Denver accident attorney to hold the other driver responsible for the damages. 

Insurance Company Policy Requirements in Colorado

Colorado insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist insurance. You are not required to carry it but, the insurance company must offer it to you. Uninsured motorist coverage covers the damages caused by the uninsured-at-fault driver. With uninsured coverage, you usually recover between $25,000 to $100,000 of your total damages. 

Uninsured motorist coverage is expensive for insurance companies to offer and will often bury the option in order to keep rates down. Working with a Denver accident attorney will help you understand the value of your claim and navigate the complex process of submitting it. 

Why Work With a Denver Accident Attorney? 

Accessing your uninsured motorist benefits can be incredibly challenging. Since many uninsured drivers have limited funds, it doesn’t make sense to file a civil suit against them. Your compensation will most likely come from your insurance company. 

Some of the most common challenges include: 

• Establishing Fault: In Colorado, you must establish the other driver is at-fault to receive any benefits from your uninsured motorist coverage. 
• Bad Faith Claim: If your claim is denied you have the option to file a “bad faith claim” to reverse the decision and receive additional benefits. 

Insurance companies will often make low-ball settlement offers or deny the claim altogether. The best way to protect your rights is to collect as much information as possible and work with a professional who knows the process. 

What to Do After An Accident

Many drivers make the mistake of not collecting information from uninsured drivers. They assume that since the other driver doesn’t have insurance, no one is going to pay for the damages. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

The information you collect after your accident can make all the difference in an uninsured motorist claim. After an accident with an uninsured driver: 

• Take photos of the other driver’s license plate, registration, and driver’s license. 
• Take photos of the scene
• Report the accident to the police
• Receive immediate medical attention
• Contact your insurance company

The more information you record, the more material a Denver accident attorney will have to work with to maximize your claim.

Contact a Denver Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one were in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, you aren’t on your own. A Denver accident lawyer can help explain how to access uninsured motorist benefits. To get started with, please call (303) 333-8000 or request an appointment online today.