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Legal team of Tremont Sheldon P.C.

Protecting People Injured by Uninsured Motorists

Tremont Sheldon P.C. reminds and educates our clients about the importance of having appropriate auto insurance coverage. We see many clients who are left unprotected with inadequate insurance, so we would like to share with you tips for selecting the best auto insurance protection for your family.

Understand your policy

Know your amount of bodily injury/liability (BI) coverage as well as the amount of your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Also, try to obtain conversion coverage or double UM. Umbrella, excess, and BI coverage protect you if you cause an accident, but they afford no protection if an uninsured or underinsured motorist injures you. The only way to protect yourself is to increase your UM/UIM coverage and request double coverage. Example: If you have $300,000 BI and $300,000 UM, request double UM coverage and increase your UM limits to $600,000.

Also be sure to purchase underinsured motorist conversion (UIMC) coverage.  UIMC coverage guarantees that you and your family will be afforded the full extent of the coverage you purchased, no matter how much is recovered from the driver who caused the collision. Otherwise, the amount that you receive from the other driver will be deducted from your coverage. Example: At-fault driver pays out to injured person his $20,000 limited policy. Injured person has limited $50,000 without conversion. Injured person can only make claim for remaining $30,000 in coverage (50,000-20,000 = 30,000). With conversion coverage, injured person can make a claim for $50,000. If the injured person had double UM, he will have $100,000 of coverage in addition to the $20,000 received.

Don’t be cheap – be smart

Although the law only requires limits of $20,000 worth of coverage per person and $40,000 worth of coverage per accident, such limits are often insufficient to cover the costs resulting from serious injury. Remember to purchase the maximum amount of insurance that you can afford as it is money well spent. Also, always reject any offer to reduce your UM/UIM coverage to below the amount of your BI coverage.  And, finally, while the law no longer requires you to purchase no fault or medical benefit coverage, you should still purchase this optional coverage if you do not have health insurance coverage in order to protect yourself. Don’t think “It won’t happen to me.” Unfortunately, Tremont Sheldon P.C. has seen many situations where clients have been injured by uninsured or underinsured drivers and these clients have had inadequate UM/UIM coverage. Hopefully, you will never need it, but be smart and protect yourself.

We Are Here to Help. Contact Our Firm Today.

Do not lose hope just because the person who hit you does not have insurance coverage. Call 203-212-9075 or contact us online to discuss your case and learn more about how we fight for families in Bridgeport and across Connecticut.

Auto Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personal injury attorney?

A personal injury attorney represents victims and their families who have been injured due to someone’s negligence or reckless actions. A personal injury attorney can help you find justice after an accident by pursuing compensation to help pay for your medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering and damages depending on your case.

When should you contact a lawyer after a car accident?

You should call a lawyer before you speak to the insurance company. An attorney can protect your rights by collecting evidence, evaluating all options for recovery and negotiating with the insurance company to maximize the compensation in your case.

When should you hire an attorney after an accident?

Hiring an attorney is a big decision, especially after you have been injured. However, it is one that should be made as soon as possible so your right to file a claim is protected.

What are your rights after a car accident?

You have the right to pursue a legal claim against the driver responsible for the accident. To protect yourself, do not admit fault after an accident. You also do not need to make statements to the insurance company or sign any settlement agreements without consulting a lawyer first. Speaking to a lawyer can help you protect your right to file a lawsuit after an accident.

Who Pays Your Medical Bills If You Were Injured In A Car Accident?

Connecticut is a “fault” insurance state. This means that if the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company is responsible for paying for your losses, including medical bills. However, the insurance company will not pay your damages until your claim is resolved. At Tremont Sheldon P.C. in Bridgeport, we can help, but it can take several months. In the meantime, you will need to find another way to pay your bills. Your options may include:

  • A personal medical insurance policy
  • Group medical coverage through your employer
  • Medicare or Medicaid

The most important thing to do after an auto accident is to obtain medical coverage and follow your doctor’s treatment plan for your recovery. If you fail to see a doctor or discontinue treatment, two things can happen:

  • You may be left with a chronic condition that can keep you from living your life to the fullest.
  • The insurance company of the at-fault driver may decline your personal injury claim.

What If You Are Uninsured?

What If You Are Uninsured?

If you are in a car accident and do not have medical insurance, our lawyers can help you find a doctor who will provide you with treatment in exchange for a lien on your personal injury settlement or verdict. This is called a letter of protection.