Understanding New Jersey’s Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage offers protection in case of an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or who does not carry enough insurance to cover the resulting damages.

The New Jersey car accident attorneys of Lynch Law Firm, PC are available to assist you if you have been injured in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence. We have helped numerous victims of negligence obtain the compensation they need after being injured in an accident.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to find out if you have legal options available to recover compensation. Our New Jersey personal injury attorneys work only on a contingency fee basis, so you only have to pay us if we recover compensation for your claim.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a policy you purchase that provides coverage in case you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not carry insurance. These policies are also called underinsured motorist coverage, as they provide compensation in case the driver’s insurance policy limits do not fully cover the damages you suffered during the accident.

In New Jersey, motorists are legally required to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, with minimum coverage amounts of:

• $15,000 for single person injuries
• $30,000 for injuries of all persons involved in an accident
• $5,000 for property damage

Motorists may purchase higher limits, though your uninsured motorist coverage limit may not exceed your policy’s liability coverage limit.

When Do I Use Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

In New Jersey, approximately 15 percent of motorists are underinsured or lack auto insurance altogether, according to the Insurance Research Council.

For this reason, it is imperative that motorists in New Jersey purchase uninsured motorist coverage with their auto insurance policy for additional protection. Uninsured motorist coverage may be used in situations such as:

• When the at-fault driver is not covered by an insurance policy on the date of the accident
• If the at-fault driver’s insurance company disclaims coverage
• The at-fault driver’s insurance carrier becomes insolvent or has declared bankruptcy
• If the vehicle is covered by a special insurance policy.
• In cases of a hit-and-run accident, where the vehicle and its operator cannot be found

What Type of Compensation Is Available?

Often, car accident victims experience difficulties and confusion after being injured in a traffic collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

However, New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means you must file a claim with your own insurance company to receive compensation after an auto accident.

Through an uninsured motorist claim, drivers can pursue compensation for their injuries and losses occurring from the accident from their insurance company. This includes compensation for:

• Past and future medical treatment
• Property damage for your vehicle or personal items damaged during the accident
• Lost wages due to missing work while recovering from your injury
• Loss of income if your injuries permanently prevent you from working
• Wrongful death damages, if the accident causes a fatality

However, if you do not have uninsured motorist coverage or your uninsured motorist coverage does not cover the cost of your damages, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.

Your car accident attorney will review your policy and the accident that resulted in your injury to determine if you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party

An attorney will work to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and losses after an auto accident. He or she will understand the terms of your auto insurance policy and protect your interests to help you obtain the fairest results for your claim.

Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC Today 

If you have been injured in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, do not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience helping victims of negligence obtain the results they deserve. We will review your claim and help you pursue the maximum compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your claim. We only charge our clients if we recover compensation on their behalf, so there is no risk in finding out if you have a case.

Call (800) 518-0508 for help with your claim.