Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. But when the other driver has no insurance—or not enough to cover your damages—the situation becomes even more frustrating. These types of crashes leave many victims wondering how they’ll pay their medical bills, replace a totaled vehicle, or cover lost income.
At Nagel Rice LLP, we help clients across New Jersey recover compensation when an at-fault driver can’t. Whether you were injured in a hit-and-run, struck by an uninsured motorist, or left dealing with limited coverage, our team is ready to protect your rights and fight for what you’re owed.
When the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Coverage
Drivers in New Jersey are legally required to carry auto insurance, but not everyone adheres to the rules, and many opt for only the minimum coverage. If you’re seriously injured, that coverage may not come close to paying for your medical treatment or lost wages.
In these situations, you can file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. This coverage steps in when the other driver can’t pay for your damages, offering a financial safety net. While it may feel strange to file a claim with your insurer when you weren’t at fault, UM/UIM coverage exists specifically for these situations.
Unfortunately, getting full compensation through your insurance isn’t always straightforward. That’s where Nagel Rice comes in.
How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims Work in NJ
In New Jersey, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is typically included in most standard auto insurance policies. This coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases)
Here’s how the process typically works:
- You’re injured in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your losses.
- You file a claim through your insurer under your UM/UIM policy.
- The insurer reviews your claim and may offer a settlement, often much lower than what your case is worth.
- You can negotiate or pursue legal action to obtain a fair result.
UM and UIM claims have specific time limits, and the process can become adversarial, even when dealing with your insurer. It’s essential to have someone on your side who understands how these policies work and how to hold insurance companies accountable.
Why Nagel Rice Is the Experienced Choice for UM/UIM Cases
At Nagel Rice, we are aware of the tactics insurance companies employ to delay or underpay claims. Many people assume their insurer will treat them fairly, but that’s not always the case.
Our attorneys have decades of experience negotiating with insurance providers and taking them to court when necessary. We’ve secured over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for injury victims throughout New Jersey and are deeply familiar with the courts, juries, and legal standards that apply to these cases.
We take a strategic and aggressive approach to every UM/UIM claim, ensuring our clients aren’t left with less than they deserve simply because the at-fault driver was underinsured or uninsured.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If an uninsured or underinsured driver has injured you, your compensation can include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgeries, therapy, and follow-up care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress or trauma
- Future medical needs or home modifications
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
We’ll help you calculate the full value of your claim and pursue every available source of compensation.
What To Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you suspect the driver who hit you is uninsured or underinsured, here are a few steps you should take right away:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Document everything at the scene (photos, names of witnesses, vehicle damage)
- Get medical care even if you think you’re okay
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice
- Contact an attorney experienced in UM/UIM claims before accepting any offer
Time matters. Insurance companies may try to run out the clock or pressure you into accepting less than your claim is worth. Talking to a lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes and strengthen your case.
Talk to a New Jersey UM/UIM Accident Attorney Today
At Nagel Rice LLP, we’ve been helping accident victims across New Jersey for more than three decades. We understand how UM and UIM claims work—and how insurance companies try to avoid paying them. Whether you’re in Essex County, Bergen County, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help. Call us today for a free consultation.