Under Connecticut law, not only must all drivers carry car insurance, but they are also required to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage specifically. Connecticut has these requirements in order to protect victims of car accidents, individuals who cause accidents, and auto loan underwriters alike.
When you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you need an uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Waterbury as soon as possible.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist in Connecticut, contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome today to speak with a Waterbury car accident lawyer. We’ve recovered millions for past clients, and we offer free consultations to personal injury victims.
Why Choose Us for Your Waterbury Uninsured Motorist Car Accident Case?
When you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, you need a legal team that knows how to fight for every dollar you deserve. The Law Offices of James A. Welcome has been standing up for injured Connecticut residents for decades, so don’t wait to call our Waterbury personal injury lawyers.
Car accident victims turn to us for the following:
- Millions won: Our motor vehicle collision team has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents across Connecticut.
- Serving clients since 2007: For nearly two decades, we have been a trusted name in Waterbury personal injury law.
- 40–plus years of combined experience: Our car accident team brings deep knowledge of Connecticut insurance law and accident litigation to your case.
- Real results for real people: We don’t just settle, we fight to maximize your compensation and hold negligent parties accountable after car accidents.
- Bilingual legal support: As one of the largest bilingual personal injury law firms in Connecticut, our team speaks fluent English and Spanish.
Local, Personalized Representation
We offer a personalized legal experience, with a team experienced in personal injury litigation that is with you and your family every step of the way.
Our law office in Waterbury is equipped with the personnel, resources, and knowledge you need for a strong claim to damages. A personal injury attorney can go to trial after your auto accident, if necessary.
Our intention is to offer legal representation that helps you win your car accident case so that you and your family have what you need to move forward after an accident. We have a track record of success when it comes to recovering compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more.
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What are the Penalties for Not Carrying Car Insurance in Waterbury?
The consequences of not having car insurance can be severe. Those found guilty of not carrying insurance can be subject to a fine of $500, imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both. It is a misdemeanor offense for a driver to fail to be covered by automobile insurance.
Additionally, the driver’s registration may be suspended, and if they don’t provide the DMV with proof of insurance and pay a $200 fine, they may have their license suspended as well.
If law enforcement sees an uninsured vehicle with a suspended registration either being driven on a public highway or parked on a public lot, the officer is permitted to confiscate the license plates and impound the vehicle.
What Is the Purpose of Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Purchasing uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects an individual when they are in an accident caused by an at-fault motorist who does not have sufficient insurance coverage.
Connecticut requires that drivers purchase a policy that includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (a minimum limit of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident).
An individual’s uninsured motorist coverage provides them compensation in instances where an at-fault driver does not carry car insurance, an individual is in a hit-and-run accident, or if the at-fault driver’s insurance company is unwilling to provide coverage.
More About Underinsured Motorist Coverage
An individual’s underinsured motorist coverage provides coverage in instances where the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits do not cover the injuries that occurred as a result of the accident.
If an individual’s underinsured motorist coverage includes conversion coverage, then both their underinsured motorist coverage and the at-fault driver’s liability coverage can provide compensation.
What Should You Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist in Waterbury?
Assuming a person has uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, the best course of action is to file a claim with their insurance company. An individual could file a lawsuit against the uninsured or underinsured motorist, but it is unlikely they will receive appropriate compensation.
Often, uninsured or underinsured motorists do not have a significant amount of money or assets, which is why they do not carry auto insurance in the first place.
Instead, it may be beneficial for an individual to file a claim with their own insurance company if they have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Our Waterbury uninsured motorist accident attorneys can guide you through this process.
What is the Process for Filing a Claim in Waterbury?
The process of filing a claim for an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist follows the same procedures as any other accident claim.
However, it is important to bear in mind that some insurance companies only allow an individual 30 days from the date of the vehicle accident in which to file a claim. Connecticut also has a 3-year statute of limitations for a claim involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Can the Insurance Company Deny the Claim?
Additionally, the insurance company may deny the claim on a variety of grounds. The insurance company may claim that the car crash does not fall under the scope of the individual’s policy, or they may offer less compensation than the individual needs.
The insurance company could also claim that one has not provided proper medical documentation. The insurer may also not provide coverage for long-term consequences from an accident, such as physical therapy, long-term disability, or compensation for lost income.
What Should an Individual Do if a Claim Is Denied?
If the insurance company denies a claim or an individual is having trouble with the claim negotiation process, they may instead choose to work with an attorney to file an uninsured car accident claim against the individual’s insurance company.
It may be beneficial to file a claim if a person’s medical bills also exceed the limits of liability coverage or uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
In situations where a claim is denied or the individual is unsatisfied with the result of a claim, they may pursue binding arbitration with their insurance company.
Why Pursue Binding Arbitration?
Binding arbitration can be a quicker and less expensive way to pursue legal action.
Non-binding arbitration exists, where both parties have the option of rejecting the decision of the arbitrator if they are not pleased with the decision, and then they can file a lawsuit.
Often, insurance companies mandate binding arbitration in their auto policies.
What Does Binding Arbitration Entail?
Binding arbitration involves the submission of a dispute to a third party who hears the case and makes a determination. It is less formal than filing a lawsuit. In binding arbitration, an individual can avoid the court process and a trial before a judge or jury.
Arbitration also does not have monetary limits as small claims court does, so a person may be able to receive the full compensation they are seeking. The individual may also include pain and suffering in their demand. The individual also has a say in the arbitrator who is chosen.
One possible drawback to this process, however, is that you are not allowed to file a lawsuit after the final decision has been made.
Arbitration Hearings
Arbitration hearings typically include opening statements, case presentations, and closing arguments. They are less formal than a formal court proceeding, such as a trial, though they follow the same basic format.
Should an individual choose to pursue binding arbitration after a car accident, it is important to work with an experienced attorney.
Call the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for assistance as soon as possible. Working with the best and most experienced uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Waterbury will ensure that you receive a successful resolution for your personal injury claim.
Get a Free Consultation With a Waterbury Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an uninsured motorist car accident in Waterbury, do not wait to get the legal help you need. The Law Offices of James A. Welcome is ready to review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the claims process.
Contact an uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Waterbury today for a free initial consultation and let us fight to recover the compensation you deserve. To learn more about uninsured motorist accidents and your legal options, visit our FAQ page.
