How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in Iowa?

Not every driver on Iowa roads carries insurance coverage, which means that if one of them causes a car accident, you could be left paying for your own injuries out of pocket.

That's where your own policy can matter most. Financial protection through uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage exists specifically for situations like this.

However, navigating the claims process can be challenging, which is why it's important for Iowa drivers to understand how uninsured motorist coverage works and work with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can also help with questions like what is gross negligence?

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects drivers involved in an accident caused by uninsured motorists. Since the driver causing the accident doesn't have liability insurance, victims might need to look towards their own insurers for damage recovery.

In such situations, uninsured motorist coverage helps cover the costs that would otherwise come out of your pocket. UM coverage may also kick in when the accident involves a hit-and-run driver. Tom Fowler Law can also help when questioning does uninsured motorist cover hit and run?

Uninsured vs Underinsured Motorist Coverage: What's the Difference?

Most people confuse UM and UIM coverage. While uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are closely related, they're not the same. Here's how they're different:

• UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.

• Underinsured motorist coverage works differently, and it applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough insurance to cover your damages.

What Expenses Can UM Coverage Pay For?

When hit by an uninsured motorist, bodily injuries can seriously affect the victim's life. In some cases, the accident could lead to wrongful death. If you have UM coverage, it could cover a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency care, physical therapy, hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Funeral expenses

It's important to note that the coverage limits in your policy set the ceiling on what you can recover, which is why carrying higher limits matters.

How Health Insurance and UM Coverage Work Together

Your health insurance may cover your medical bills after a crash. And if you have UM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer to reimburse treatment costs and pay for damages that a health insurance may not cover, such as lost wages and pain and suffering.

Because of this, it's important to maintain detailed medical records throughout your treatment, as they provide evidence of what your injuries actually cost. This can make it difficult for the insurance company to dispute damages.

Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim After an Iowa Car Accident

Here are the steps to follow to file an uninsured motorist claim after a car crash:

1. Notify your own insurance company, as your auto policy agreement may require you to report a crash immediately.

2. Call 911 to report the accident and get a copy of the police report, which contains important details relevant to the claim, including the names of the people involved and whether the other party had a driver's license and insurance.

3. Seek medical treatment for the injuries caused.

4. Contact a skilled Iowa personal injury lawyer to build a strong case and submit supporting documentation to the insurer.

Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim

After the crash, try to gather as much of the following evidence as possible:

• Photos of the accident scene, including skid marks, traffic controls like a stop sign, and road conditions

• Vehicle damage photos from multiple angles

• Witness statements that describe what the other driver did

• Medical documentation linking your bodily injury to the crash

• Employment records showing missed work and lost income

Evidence plays an important role in supporting your claim. It can help when you want to pursue a third-party claim or need to challenge a low offer from your bodily injury coverage insurer.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in Iowa?

After filing a claim, your auto insurance company will review the evidence submitted before making a settlement offer. In most cases, the insurer will use dirty tactics, from disputing the severity of the injuries to shifting blame, in a bid to reduce payouts.

If you have UIM coverage, you'll have to exhaust the at-fault driver's insurance policy limits first before you can tap into your own UM coverage. For more information, these vehicle accident attorneys in Des Moines may be able to help.

Iowa's Rules on UM/UIM Coverage

Under Iowa Code Chapter 516A.1, every insurance company in Iowa must offer UM, UIM, and hit-and-run liability coverage to anyone looking to carry liability insurance. The minimum amounts that the insurers must provide if anyone opts for these policies are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

That said, while insurers are mandated to include UM, UIM, and hit-and-run coverages, drivers in Iowa are not legally required to keep them. Another thing to note is that insurance companies will provide liability limits matching the same amount as the coverage on your auto policy, but you can choose to go for the minimum coverage mentioned by the state law instead.

Common Problems with UM/UIM Claims

Some of the most common problems policyholders face with insurance companies when pursuing UM/UIM claims include:

• Claim denial due to issues like delayed reporting

• Reduced damages due to insufficient documentation or not enough coverage

• Disputes over medical treatment

• Disagreements about claim value

Even when the responsible driver is out of the picture, your insurance company can still push back, denying medical expenses, car repair bills, and other damages. Having other coverages, such as health insurance, can help cover medical costs immediately, allowing you to tackle the insurer later.

How Can an Iowa Car Accident Lawyer Help with an Accident Caused by an Uninsured Motorist?

Dealing with your car insurance or auto insurance company after an accident caused by an uninsured driver can be a headache. Working with an experienced Iowa personal injury attorney can help in many ways, including:

Investigating Insurance Coverage

A lawyer can identify all available sources of compensation, including uninsured motorist property damage or UMPD coverage for vehicle repairs, collision coverage, and any other property damage coverage that may apply.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

A lawyer can collect medical records, police reports, photographs, and other documentation needed to build a strong claim.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

When insurers dispute liability or undervalue injuries, legal representation may lead to better outcomes in settlement negotiations.

Handling Denied or Underpaid Claims

If a claim is denied or the offer doesn't reflect your actual damages, an attorney can challenge that decision and explore additional recovery options.

Contact Tom Fowler Law for Legal Help Today!

If you were injured in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, Tom Fowler Law is here to help. Our team handles UM/UIM claims and car accident injuries throughout Iowa. We can review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!