Protecting Yourself Against Uninsured Drivers in New Jersey
Since there is no way to predict if you will have an accident and it is also impossible to control the actions of others, if you travel by car to get from place to place, there is a chance you could be injured in a car accident. Despite New Jersey car insurance laws requiring drivers to show proof of insurance, some drivers ignore the laws. A lawful driver in New Jersey is mandated to have liability insurance, personal injury protection (PIP), and Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
When an uninsured driver hits you, it is possible, in rare situations, to sue the driver and recover compensation. However, this is not usually a practical way to obtain financial compensation for your damages. Often, individuals who ignore the rules and drive without insurance typically don’t have enough assets to cover the costs of losses that they have caused in an accident. As a result, you can obtain the money you need by filing a claim with your UM/UIM coverage and your PIP coverage. You may also use your own healthcare coverage.
Though, even if you have all of the required insurance coverage, if you only have the minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage coverage you may still fall short of the total amount you need. This is especially true if you were severely injured in a catastrophic accident. As a result, you may wonder, what are your best options for protecting yourself and your family should you be in an accident with an uninsured driver?
If you were harmed in an uninsured car accident in New Jersey, you are welcome to meet with a South Jersey car accident lawyer at Monaco Law PC.
Safeguarding Yourself Against Uninsured New Jersey Drivers: Strategic Tips
The reality is that when a car accident happens, the outcome can vary. It can be mild, moderate, or cataclysmic. Let’s say you have to be hospitalized, on average, this will cost $57,000. If your injuries are life-threatening, you may need emergency medevac services, which can cost $50,000 alone. If surgery or long-term rehabilitation is needed to treat injuries, the costs of medical care could exceed $100,000.
Since the required minimum is only $25,000 for bodily injury per person, a total maximum of $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for damages to another party’s property, you can see how insufficient the required minimums are. UM/UIM coverage minimums are the same.
The best way to protect yourself is to buy coverage higher than the required minimums. How much extra should you purchase? That is something that you can discuss with a seasoned car accident attorney or your insurance agent. And, remember, UM/UIM may not cover the costs of damage to your vehicle, and uninsured drivers have a higher rate of fleeing the scene if they cause an accident. Therefore, while optional, buying collision coverage is another advantageous safety net to have.
Speak to a New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today
Call our experienced South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC at (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office.
We are a New Jersey car and truck accident law firm serving Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.
Source:
nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/insurancerequirements.htm
