Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) in Utah
Call/Text Utah Car Accident Attorney Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for Help with Your Hit & Run Case
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) in Utah is an essential part of protecting yourself after an accident where the at-fault driver either has no insurance, cannot be identified (hit & run), or leaves you in a no-contact situation. This article explains UM coverage, its applications, and why it’s critical in hit-and-run scenarios.
Where Is Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage Found?
UM coverage is included in your own auto insurance policy unless you have waived it in writing. It is categorized as first-party insurance, meaning your own insurance company provides the coverage when the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be located.
- Declarations Page: You can find UM coverage limits on your insurance declarations page.
- No Waiver? No Worries: If you haven’t waived UM in writing, it’s likely part of your policy.
What Triggers Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Utah?
UM insurance activates in the following situations:
1. Hit & Run with Contact
This classic scenario involves a collision where:
- The at-fault driver makes physical contact with your vehicle.
- The at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified.
2. Hit & Run with No Contact
In these situations, the at-fault driver causes an accident without physically impacting your car. Examples include:
- Swerving into your lane, forcing you off the road.
- Causing you to hit an object or another car while avoiding them.
Heightened Evidence Standard
For no-contact hit-and-run cases, a clear and convincing evidence standard applies. This means:
- You must provide evidence beyond your own testimony, such as:
- Eyewitness accounts.
- Surveillance footage.
- Accident reconstruction reports.
3. No Insurance
In this scenario:
- The at-fault driver stays at the accident scene.
- It is confirmed they have no insurance coverage.
Examples of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Action
Example 1: Hit & Run with Contact
- Scenario: You are rear-ended on State Street in Orem, UT, injuring your knee and back.
- Outcome: The at-fault driver flees the scene and is never identified. Your UM coverage pays for your injuries.
Example 2: No Insurance Hit & Run
- Scenario: You are rear-ended on University Avenue in Provo, near BYU. The at-fault driver remains at the scene but has no insurance.
- Outcome: Your UM coverage pays for damages since the other driver is uninsured.
Example 3: No-Contact Hit & Run
- Scenario: In American Fork, UT, a swerving car forces you to evade, leading to a collision with a telephone pole.
- Outcome: With no physical contact, your UM coverage kicks in, provided you meet the heightened evidence standard.
Proving a Hit & Run Case in Utah
To successfully claim UM benefits in hit-and-run scenarios:
- Collect Evidence Immediately
- Photographs of the scene.
- Witness information.
- Police report detailing the incident.
- Meet the Evidence Standard
- For contact cases, the standard is a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).
- For no-contact cases, the standard is clear and convincing evidence.
- File a Claim with Your Insurer
- Notify your insurer promptly after the accident.
- Consult a Qualified Attorney
- Legal guidance ensures proper documentation and evidence collection, increasing the likelihood of a successful claim.
Why Hire a Utah Car Accident Attorney for Hit & Run Cases?
Navigating the complexities of UM coverage and hit-and-run claims requires experience and expertise. A skilled attorney like Jake Gunter can:
- Investigate the incident and gather compelling evidence.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
- Handle disputes over evidence or coverage limits.
Call/Text Utah Car Accident Attorney Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident or need assistance with an uninsured motorist claim, attorney Jake Gunter is here to help. Protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
