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Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the at-fault driver doesn’t carry insurance, the situation becomes even more complicated. Unfortunately, despite state insurance requirements, uninsured and underinsured drivers are a reality across Colorado.
The Westminster car accident lawyers at Matlin Injury Law help injury victims manage the complex claims process. We fight to protect your rights and create a personalized legal plan for every client.
Contact our uninsured motorist attorneys in Westminster today for a free consultation.
How Our Westminster Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorneys Can Help
After a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the legal process can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, missed work, insurance paperwork, and uncertainty about your rights, it’s easy to feel lost.
That’s where Westminster personal injury lawyers come in.
With over 50 years of combined legal experience and more than $25 million recovered for injured clients, we know what it takes to handle uninsured motorist claims.
We offer:
- Hands–On Support and Accessibility: We believe in clear, consistent communication. You’ll always know where your case stands, and if you have any questions, you can call, text, or email us at any time. We also offer a convenient client app with daily updates, so you’re never left in the dark.
- We Come to You if Needed: If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we’ll meet you at your home or in the hospital to discuss your case.
- Guidance Through Every Step: The insurance process can be confusing, especially when dealing with your insurer under a UM/UIM claim. We’ll walk you through every stage, ensuring you understand your options and helping you make informed decisions.
- We Don‘t Get Paid Unless You Win: Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis. You don’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
- Trial–Ready Representation: While most cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to litigate in court if necessary. You can count on Matlin Injury Law for dependable legal representation every step of the way.
Call us now to learn more about our services and your rights.
Types of Compensation Available After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Westminster
Whether you utilize your own uninsured motorist insurance policy coverage or pursue a lawsuit, here’s what compensation can look like for victims of these types of accidents:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage may include emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care needs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover lost income. In serious cases, if your ability to earn a living is permanently impacted, you can claim loss of future earnings.
- Property Damage (If Applicable): While UM/UIM bodily injury coverage typically focuses on injuries, some policies may also cover vehicle damage.
- What You Must Prove in an Uninsured Motorist Accident Claim
Filing an injury claim under your Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is not automatic. Even though you’re dealing with your own insurance company, they will require proof before paying out compensation.
Understanding the legal requirements can help strengthen your case and avoid delays or denials.
You will need to prove:
The Other Driver Was at Fault for the Accident
Colorado follows a fault-based system for auto accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the crash is liable for damages. To secure UM/UIM benefits, you must show that the other driver caused the accident. This often involves collecting:
- Police accident reports from the Westminster Police Department or other local agencies
- Eyewitness statements
- Photographs or video evidence from the scene
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage, if available
The At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured
Your insurance company will require documentation proving that the other driver lacked insurance or had insufficient coverage.
In hit-and-run situations where the driver cannot be identified after reasonable efforts, they are legally considered “uninsured” under Colorado law.
You Suffered Injuries and Losses Because of the Accident
Compensation is based on the extent of your injuries and financial losses. You’ll need to provide:
- Medical records and bills
- Documentation of lost wages or income
- Evidence of pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Repair or replacement estimates for vehicle damage (if applicable)
Your Own UM/UIM Coverage Applies
It’s important to confirm that your policy includes UM/UIM insurance coverage and that it was active at the time of the accident.
Many drivers unknowingly have this coverage, especially if they didn’t submit a formal written rejection when purchasing their policy.
Other Options Besides Your Insurance After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
While UM/UIM coverage is often the most direct way to recover compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s not your only potential option. Depending on the circumstances, our Westminster lawyers might help you by:
Filing a Lawsuit Directly Against the At-Fault Driver
In Colorado, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to pursue compensation, regardless of their insurance status. However, this option has some limitations:
- Collectibility Concerns: Many uninsured drivers lack sufficient assets to satisfy a judgment, even if you win your case in court. Suing someone without sufficient financial resources may result in a legal victory, but it will likely yield no practical recovery.
- Identifying and Locating the Driver: In hit-and-run situations, pursuing legal action is only possible if the at-fault driver is identified and located.
- Statute of Limitations: Colorado law generally provides a three-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to sue.
Third-Party Liability Claims
In certain situations, other individuals or entities may share responsibility for your accident, opening additional paths for compensation:
- Employers: If the uninsured driver was performing work-related duties at the time of the crash, their employer could potentially be held liable.
- Government Entities: If poor road maintenance, defective traffic signals, or unsafe construction zones contributed to your accident, a government entity may be partially responsible. These insurance claims follow special rules and strict deadlines, so check with your personal injury attorney about your legal options and timeline.
Uninsured motorist accidents often involve complex financial, legal, and insurance considerations. A Westminster uninsured motorist accident attorney from Matlin Injury Law can investigate your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and maximize your recovery through every available legal channel.
Contact a Westminster Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today
An accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you facing unexpected medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about how to move forward.
But you don’t have to handle this situation alone. Our Westminster uninsured motorist accident lawyers can handle the entirety of the legal process for you.
Contact Matlin Injury Law today to schedule a complimentary, no–obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
