Can Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover Your Lost Wages?

Key Highlights:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed to help with medical bills and car repairs if someone without insurance hits you. However, it usually doesn’t cover lost wages if you miss work because of the accident. For that, you might need other types of insurance, like Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or use health insurance.

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver without insurance. While most people know it covers medical bills and vehicle repairs, many wonder if it can also cover lost wages. Being unable to work after an accident can create financial strain, making this question important.

Understanding what uninsured motorist coverage includes and how it works is essential for ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. By knowing your rights, you can recover lost income and focus on getting back on your feet after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you when you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages. This type of coverage typically helps with medical expenses and property damage, but its role in covering lost wages can be a bit less clear.

What UM Coverage Generally Covers

In most cases, UM coverage helps with:

• Medical Bills: It can cover the cost of medical treatments related to the accident. For more information on this, learn about how to handle medical bills after an accident with an uninsured driver.
• Property Damage: It pays for repairs to your vehicle or other damaged property.

However, UM coverage doesn’t always include compensation for lost wages. To determine if it does, you’ll need to check your specific policy and the laws in your state.

Lost Wages and UM Coverage

Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages. This compensation is typically covered under different types of insurance, such as:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): In states with PIP coverage, it often includes wage loss benefits. It’s essential to understand how to file a claim after an accident with an uninsured driver to recover these benefits.
• Disability Insurance: If you have short-term or long-term disability insurance, it might cover wage loss.
• Health Insurance: Sometimes, health insurance may cover some indirect costs related to wage loss, but it usually does not directly cover lost wages.

UM Coverage: In many states, UM coverage does not directly cover lost wages. It primarily focuses on medical expenses and property damage. However, some policies might offer additional benefits or riders that could cover lost income. It’s important to review your policy details or speak with your insurance agent to understand what your UM coverage specifically includes.

Steps to Take If You’ve Lost Wages

1. Review Your Policy: Check your uninsured motorist policy to see if it includes any provisions for lost wages or additional coverage options. Learn what to do if your insurance denies an uninsured motorist claim to prepare for any challenges.
2. Document Your Losses: Keep detailed records of your missed work, including pay stubs, medical records, and any other documentation that shows how the accident has affected your income.
3. Explore Other Insurance Options: Look into personal injury protection (PIP), disability insurance, or any other relevant coverage that might help with lost wages.
4. Consult an Attorney: If you’re having trouble navigating your insurance coverage or need help recovering lost wages, an attorney can assist you in understanding your options and pursuing compensation. 

Why You Might Need UM Coverage

• Protect Yourself from the Unexpected: In Georgia, about 12% of drivers are uninsured. This means there’s a significant chance you could be in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. UM coverage can be a lifesaver in these situations, especially when you know how uninsured motorist coverage works in Georgia.

• Ensure Financial Protection: Without UM coverage, you might have to cover medical expenses and vehicle repairs out of pocket if the at-fault driver has no insurance. This can be a significant financial burden. For more on this, find out what happens if you’re injured by an uninsured driver.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have UM coverage provides peace of mind, knowing that you are protected in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.

All our cases are handled contingently, so you only have to pay us once we win. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 

How Can a Lawyer Help After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Dealing with an accident caused by an uninsured driver can be challenging, but a personal injury lawyer can make the process smoother. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Collect Important Evidence: We’ll gather photos, documents, and witness statements to build a clear picture of what happened and determine who is at fault, which can also help how to prove the other driver was uninsured.
• Manage Paperwork: We’ll handle all the legal forms and insurance claims, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and not get bogged down by paperwork.
• Seek Fair Compensation: We’ll strive to secure the money you need for medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. 
• Navigate Legal Issues: We’ll guide you through any legal questions and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.

For more information on how we can assist you, check out our Personal Injury FAQs.

Talk to an Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver, don’t face it alone. Our skilled uninsured motorist accident lawyers can help you manage the insurance process, handle all legal matters, and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Remember, you only pay if we win your case.

Contact us for a free consultation or call (404) 888-4444. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Conclusion

While uninsured motorist coverage is crucial for handling medical bills and property damage, it typically does not cover lost wages directly. Understanding your policy details and exploring other insurance options can help you manage financial losses after an accident with an uninsured driver. If you’re uncertain about your coverage or need assistance, consulting with a legal expert can ensure you receive the support you need. 

Our specialized uninsured motorist accident lawyers are here to help you get through the process and secure the compensation you need. Reach out for a free consultation or call (404) 888-4444.