Maine is an “at-fault state” and requires all motorists to carry minimum insurance coverage.

If someone crashes into you, their insurance should cover your losses—but this is not always the case.

The negligent driver may leave the scene or have limited or no insurance, leaving you unsure what to do.

If you are seriously injured and the at-fault motorist will not be able to cover your losses, discuss your situation with a seasoned attorney.

A Bangor underinsured/uninsured motorist claims lawyer at Mann Law could help pursue compensation from your own insurance company and handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing. 

To get started, contact us today.

What is Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Many people do not understand how their Maine automobile insurance policy can work for them. 

Suppose you are in a vehicular crash and the other driver is at fault but flees or does not carry any or enough coverage to compensate you.

Maine’s insurance policies require some of the highest minimum underinsured/uninsured motorist (UI/UM) coverage in the country. Your passengers are also covered under these amounts.

Along with liability and property coverage, you must carry:

  1. $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
  2. $100,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
  3. $2,000 in medical payment (MedPay) coverage that can help allay the cost of medical or dental treatment 

For example, say you sustain $100,000 in bodily and property damage after a reckless motorist hits your car.

If the motorist has a $50,000 policy limit for bodily injury per person, your insurance company will pay the additional $50,000 from your uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Our knowledgeable Bangor personal injury attorneys can further explain how to get you adequately compensated after a motor vehicle accident. 

    What Types of Situations are Covered by UI/UM Insurance?

    The Insurance Research Council estimates that about one in eight Americans is uninsured.

    Many others who abide by Maine’s mandatory insurance coverage may not carry enough to fully compensate you for your losses.

    If you are in this situation, your UI/UM coverage can help pay for:

    • The part of your expenses from a multi-vehicle accident when the responsible party’s insurance must compensate several injured parties and does not pay enough to compensate you fully
    • Expensive medical treatment if you suffer a catastrophic injury in a life-threatening accident and the at-fault driver is underinsured
    • Extensive damage to your vehicle that exceeds the at-fault driver’s coverage, which is a minimum of $25,000 in Maine
    • The damage from a hit-and-run, as unknown drivers are categorized as uninsured in Maine 

    Documenting an Accident for Insurance Coverage

    You will want to document the accident to maximize your compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurance coverage and your UI/UM coverage. 

    Police Report and Accident Information

    One critical piece of evidence is the police report, in which the attending officer will determine the at-fault driver and record witness statements.

    Make notes about what happened and take pictures with your cell phone if possible. 

    Medical Bills and Injuries

    Make sure to keep copies of the hospital, doctor, therapy, and pharmaceutical bills, along with any photos or other expenses that document your injuries and resulting expenses.

    Keep this evidence with information about others involved in the crash, such as their names, addresses, and insurance information.

    Work with an Attorney

    Work with a skilled attorney with experience negotiating with insurers on uninsured motorist claims.

    The team at Mann Law has handled these cases on both sides and can help you file insurance claims, including under your UI/UM coverage. 

    Consult a Bangor Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Claims Attorney 

    Any car collision is devastating and stressful. You may be even more stressed if the responsible party is uninsured or underinsured.

    However, your Maine auto insurance should have coverage to compensate you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run or a collision caused by an underinsured motorist. 

    A Bangor underinsured/uninsured motorist claims lawyer at Mann Law can explain your rights and help you obtain the resources you need to make your best recovery.

    This is about so much more than the compensation you deserve—call today and let us help you move forward with your life.

    Related article:

    Understanding Uninsured Motorist Settlements in Maine