Sioux Falls Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorneys in Sioux Falls
A major part of the motor vehicle accident system is the assumption that all people have insurance. However, not every driver on the road has insurance, which leaves you vulnerable if you get into an accident. We understand the struggles of trying to move forward after an accident when you’re not sure what’s next. The Sioux Falls underinsured accident lawyers at Hoy Law work with people across South Dakota when they are having difficulties recovering compensation after accidents with uninsured motorists. You have options.
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured & underinsured motorist accident lawyer serving Sioux Falls, call (605) 334-8900
What You Need To Know About South Dakota’s Insurance Law
South Dakota requires all drivers to carry insurance. That doesn’t mean everyone has insurance, but it does require certain levels of coverage. One of those coverages is to take care of uninsured and underinsured accidents. There are limits to this coverage. Most of those limits will be a part of what your insurance plan settles. Additionally, this coverage only extends to injuries to you and your passengers, not damage to your vehicle. Underinsured motorist coverage is like uninsured motorist coverage. An underinsured motorist carries coverage that does not adequately cover the injuries of an accident. However, the maximum coverage you can receive is limited by the maximum of your uninsured policy; it does not stack on the underinsured motorist’s policy.
What To Do After A Car Accident With Someone Who Has No Insurance?
In an accident with an uninsured motorist, you will have to pursue a claim with your own insurance company. While you may feel like this puts you on “the same side” as your company, that simply isn’t the case. They will take any opportunity to minimize the compensation they give you. Our Sioux Falls car accident lawyers will work with you to get you what you deserve.
How Uninsured Motorist Claims Work in South Dakota
When you file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, you are making a claim against your own insurance policy. This creates a different dynamic than a typical third-party claim. Your insurer has a contractual obligation to pay valid claims, but they also have a financial incentive to minimize payouts. Some insurers treat these claims almost as adversarially as they would a claim from a stranger.
South Dakota requires all auto policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in amounts of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You can purchase higher limits for additional protection. If the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your damages, your underinsured motorist coverage fills the gap up to your policy limits. Understanding how these coverages stack and interact with your health insurance and medical payments coverage is critical to maximizing your total recovery.
A Team On Your Side
We will work with you to get you the coverage you deserve for your accident. While you may find limits based on your policy, you may deserve more than you’re being offered. Contact our Sioux Falls office by calling 605-334-8900. You may also reach out to us through this online form. We provide free consultations and will not take a fee without winning.
Protecting Yourself with Adequate UM/UIM Coverage
While South Dakota law requires minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person, this amount is often insufficient for serious injuries. Hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation can easily exceed $100,000. Victims who carry only minimum UM/UIM coverage may find themselves undercompensated even after a successful claim.
If you are currently shopping for auto insurance or reviewing your existing policy, consider purchasing UM/UIM limits that match your liability coverage. The additional cost is typically modest compared to the protection it provides. After an accident with an uninsured driver in Sioux Falls, your UM/UIM coverage may be the only source of compensation available — and having adequate limits can mean the difference between financial stability and financial ruin during your recovery.
