If you are in a serious car accident on the Beltway or I-95 in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, there is a good chance the at-fault driver will have no insurance or only the minimum coverage required by law. In DC, that minimum is $25,000. If you need surgery and miss weeks or months of work, $25,000 will not come close to covering your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.<\/p>\n
We recently represented a client who was seriously injured when another driver suddenly crossed three lanes of traffic on the Beltway. The at-fault driver carried only the DC minimum of $25,000 in liability insurance. Just two weeks later, our client needed surgery, and his medical expenses quickly exceeded the policy limit.<\/p>\n
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is an optional policy you can add to your car insurance. It protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your injuries. In Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, many drivers carry only the legal minimum \u2014 which is rarely enough after a serious accident.<\/p>\n
UIM can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance is insufficient. It is often inexpensive and provides peace of mind, especially if your limits are higher than the state minimum.<\/p>\n