What Is an Uninsured Motorist?
An Uninsured Motorist is a driver who has no liability insurance available to pay for injuries or property damage caused in a crash. The term can also appear in discussions of uninsured motorist coverage, which may protect an injured person through the injured person’s own auto policy when the at-fault driver lacks applicable insurance.
Quick Facts About Uninsured Motorist
Category
Auto insurance and injury claims
Used for
Crashes involving unavailable liability coverage
Common confusion
The driver differs from uninsured motorist coverage
Also called
UM Coverage, Uninsured driver
Often discussed with
Car Accident Lawyer
Key Takeaways About Uninsured Motorist
- The term describes the at-fault driver’s insurance status.
- Your own policy may provide uninsured motorist coverage.
- Uninsured does not always mean the driver owns no vehicle.
How Uninsured Motorist Works
An Uninsured Motorist is identified by checking whether liability insurance is available for the driver who caused the crash. A driver may lack insurance, or the driver’s insurer may not provide coverage for the claim. The facts of the collision, the policy language, and available insurance records help determine how the claim proceeds.
Related glossary terms: Bodily Injury, Subrogation, Medical Records.
Uninsured motorist coverage is a provision in your own auto policy that may respond when the responsible driver has no applicable liability coverage. The policy can also address certain hit-and-run situations, depending on its terms and the facts. Claim handling may involve reviewing the policy, crash evidence, medical records, and communications with insurers.
From the Atlanta Auto Law team
When we review an uninsured motorist issue, we examine the crash facts and the available insurance policies together. We also check whether the policy language, driver identity, and claim evidence support a coverage claim. That review helps separate the driver’s status from the insurance protection available under the injured person’s policy.
Uninsured Motorist in Practice: A Real-World Example
A driver causes a collision in Druid Hills and has no liability insurance available for the resulting injuries. The injured person’s auto policy may provide uninsured motorist coverage, subject to the policy language and claim facts.
Related Services
Related Terms
Bodily Injury
Bodily Injury is physical harm suffered by a person, such as a broken bone, concussion, or…
Subrogation
Subrogation is a legal process that allows an insurer or another payer to seek repayment from…
Medical Records
Medical Records are written or electronic files that document a patient's care, condition, testing, treatment, and…
Witness Statement
A Witness Statement is a written or recorded account from someone who saw, heard, or experienced…
Atlanta Auto Law
Have Questions About Uninsured Motorist?
Contact Atlanta Auto Law for practical guidance on Uninsured Motorist and related personal injury attorney work in Druid Hills.