I am now what most people would consider “middle-aged”, so I often think about what is really important to me. Obviously my health and the well-being of my family are of utmost importance, and I am blessed with a great family and good friends Being a long-term (18 years) car wreck lawyer on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, I understand the difficulties that an auto accident imparts on a family. One way I protect my family from undue hardship in such a case is by keeping current uninsured motorist insurance coverage as part of our auto policies.
Pursuant to Mississippi statutory law, all motorists must purchase and have in effect automobile liability insurance coverage. However, I recognize from experience that more and more drivers are uninsured or underinsured. For this reason, I take the necessary steps to ensure that my family’s vehicles are covered by uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage provides injured motorists with the same protection they would have if an uninsured/underinsured at-fault driver had been insured under a standard automobile liability policy. One thing to keep in mind while shopping for uninsured motorist coverage is that insurance carriers generally do not allow clients to purchase more uninsured motorist coverage than the amount of their own liability insurance coverage.
Underinsured motorist coverage provides additional coverage when an at-fault driver’s liability policy limits are not sufficient to satisfy the damages caused by a car wreck. Generally, there is no additional premium charged by insurance carriers for underinsured motorist coverage as that coverage is included in the premium for uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the insurance carrier for the at-fault driver tenders the liability policy limits; underinsured coverage pays that amount that you are legally entitled to recover as damages for any injury or death caused by the at-fault driver.
Given my experience as a car wreck lawyer in Mississippi, I suggest you look at your current automobile insurance coverage and contact your insurance agent to discuss whether your coverage is sufficient to protect you and your family in the event of a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. After you speak with your agent, you can then decide how best to shelter your family.
Learn more about an Ocean Springs car wreck lawyer Mississippi. Stop by Melinda O. Johnson’s website where you can find out all about her representative areas of practice and what Melinda O. Johnson can do for you.
