Underinsured Motorist Lawyer
Suffering a crash with a driver who lacks enough insurance can create tough problems, including large medical costs and missed paychecks.
At The Leach Firm, P.A., we work with individuals in Florida and Georgia to pursue a fair recovery when the at-fault party’s coverage is not enough. Our team puts forth steady effort so you can focus on feeling better while we handle the legal aspects surrounding your underinsured motorist claim.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage safeguards you when another driver’s insurance cannot fully cover your medical bills, pain, and wage losses. This add-on to your own insurance policy helps bridge costs, so you are not left paying out of pocket for huge treatments or procedures. In Florida and Georgia, UIM coverage is optional, but holding it can be extremely helpful if an underinsured driver causes an accident.
These policies may include “stacking,” which merges coverage limits across more than one vehicle on the same policy. Stacking can greatly increase the total recovery available. If your damages go beyond what the other driver’s plan can pay, a UIM policy can ease the burden of those expenses.
How The Leach Firm, P.A. Can Help
We know that dealing with insurance carriers can be stressful and time-consuming. Our attorneys handle UIM claims in Florida and Georgia, working hard to build strong cases for people dealing with injuries and losses. Below is an outline of our approach.
Assessing Your UIM Policy
We begin by reviewing your plan to see if UIM coverage applies and how much may be available. This step might also involve “stacking” provisions, allowing you to increase total policy limits if you have multiple vehicles listed. We aim to confirm the right coverage level so you receive the largest possible compensation from your claim.
- Compare your coverage amounts against your medical bills
- Identify potential “stacked” policy opportunities
- Gather documents to confirm that coverage applies
We then move on to a thorough review of any other coverage you might carry. Identifying every available avenue is a core part of our service.
Investigating the Accident
Our team examines every detail of the crash to see how it unfolded. That review typically involves reading police reports, speaking with eyewitnesses, and gathering photos or videos. We also contact medical providers to confirm the nature and severity of your injuries.
- Collect detailed statements from all involved parties
- Analyze damage to vehicles or property
- Document your physical and emotional setbacks
This deeper analysis helps us show the full scale of your losses, which supports us when we seek fair payment from insurers.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurers often try to pay as little as they can on UIM claims. We manage all communications to help protect you from low offers. By presenting a strong case, our attorneys push for a favorably valued settlement that accounts for medical bills, lost earnings, and other expenses. We help you weigh any deal an insurer presents to see if it covers your losses.
Litigating Your Case
If an appropriate settlement cannot be reached by discussion, we are prepared to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys organize evidence and lines of reasoning to support your position. By arguing your case before a court, we seek full compensation for the hardships you have experienced, whether through trial or later settlement talks.
Phases of a UIM Claim
Stage | Focus |
Policy Check | Locate available UIM coverage and confirm limits |
Accident Review | Gather reports, witness accounts, and medical details |
Negotiations | Engage insurers to secure fair settlement for all losses |
Litigation | File suit and pursue fair recovery if no agreement is reached |
Damages You Can Recover
After a wreck involving an underinsured motorist, you may be able to collect payment for a variety of damages. Depending on the facts of your case, these might include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Other related costs
We look carefully at your medical bills, accident records, and work history to show the impact of your injuries on your life. This approach helps in justifying your claim to insurers or to a court.
Why Choose The Leach Firm, P.A.?
We put each client first, providing close attention every step of the way. Our attorneys have served accident victims in Florida and Georgia for many years, handling UIM claims for people in difficult circumstances. We are committed to standing by those injured by underinsured drivers, seeking to maximize their recoveries.
We also bring more than 50 years of combined experience to each case, working together to bring a thorough approach. Our firm’s history includes fighting for people facing tough medical bills, lost wages, and other losses from car collisions. By focusing on each client’s goals, we strive to reach a resolution that eases the burden caused by someone else’s careless driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underinsured Motorist Claims
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
States like Florida and Georgia use rules that compare each driver’s share of fault. If you played a part, the amount you receive may be lowered by your percentage of responsibility. You could still have a valid claim for damages, but the final payout might be less.
What is “stacking” UIM coverage?
Stacking merges coverage from multiple vehicles under one policy. If you carry two vehicles, each with UIM coverage for a set amount, stacking can add those limits together. This way, you have access to a larger pool of funds if you face costly injuries beyond a single limit.
How long do I have to file a UIM claim?
In Florida and Georgia, most personal injury claims have legal deadlines that typically run for two years from your accident date. Missing these deadlines can block you from seeking payment, so it is wise to consult an attorney soon. Submitting a claim on time helps protect your rights and keeps your case moving forward.
Contact The Leach Firm, P.A. Today
If you are dealing with an underinsured motorist claim and want clear direction, feel free to call us at 844-722-7567. We offer a consultation to discuss your accident and see how our team could help you move forward with a claim. Please reach out any time or go to our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation. We stand ready to guide you in seeking the compensation you deserve.