Mississippi is home to an alarming number of uninsured motorists. Close to one in three drivers in Mississippi do not have automobile liability insurance. This number is twofold the national average of one in six uninsured drivers. To make matters even worse, over half of all drivers only carry the minimum amount of insurance required in the state. This means that in the event you are involved in an accident, the insurance company will only cover $25,000 towards your injuries. This number is far less than needed to recover the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income involved in any serious accident. In light of these statistics, there is a significant chance that in your lifetime, you will be involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Some states require drivers carry a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage, but Mississippi is not presently one of them. The following is a list of reasons why you should consider obtaining or increasing your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as soon as possible:
- The rate of uninsured/underinsured motorists is rising: Mississippi is already home to an alarming number of uninsured and underinsured motorists, but this rate is expected to increase in coming years as jobless rates remain high and more and more families cannot afford the expense of car insurance premiums.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is affordable: Adding or increasing your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will often only cost you a couple of dollars per month. This coverage is among the most affordable. The minimal cost to obtain this insurance is well worth it in the event you are involved in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
- Pursuing a personal injury claim against the uninsured driver will be expensive: While purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is very reasonable, the alternative of waiting until you are in an accident with such a driver be costly. Specifically, if you are injured by an uninsured or minimally insured driver and lack UM/UIM coverage, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the driver seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the like. You will need to secure the representation of an attorney that can handle this sometimes complex claim and may be required to outlay expenses in bringing the claim to resolution.
- Collecting from an uninsured/underinsured motorist can prove difficult: Even when you pursue your personal injury claim against the at-fault, uninsured driver to the fullest extent, there is no guarantee you will be able to collect damages. Often, those without car insurance have limited income and means, making it difficult to collect. This does not mean all hope is lost if you do not have UM/UIM insurance and are involved in an accident, but it is easier as a preventative measure to obtain this vital coverage.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Uninsured/Underinsured Automobile Accident Attorneys Ensuring You Obtain the Compensation You Deserve
The high rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers across Mississippi is cause for serious concern. All Mississippi drivers are at risk of being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Being involved in such an accident often leaves victims feeling helpless and confused as to how they can recover. The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are available to advise you on your options in the event you have been involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance or holds only a minimal policy. While obtaining a full recovery in this scenario can be difficult, it is possible with the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney. Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation with one of our exemplary automobile accident attorneys.