Uninsured Motorists
Despite the state law requirement that every South Dakota owner and operator of a motor vehicle carry minimum liability insurance coverage, approximately 10 percent of drivers in Sioux Falls and throughout the state unfortunately fail to carry insurance. While that may not sound like an alarming rate, the potential exposure of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver remains. South Dakota officials estimate that for every 100 vehicles you pass, potentially 10 of those vehicles carry no insurance.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist coverage (“UM/UIM”) refers to specific coverage provided under an automobile policy intended to protect responsible vehicle owners and drivers from irresponsible vehicle owners and negligent drivers who either carry no liability insurance or from those vehicle owners and drivers that do not have sufficient liability insurance limits to cover the injuries and damages they have caused. The purpose of UM/UIM coverage is to place the injured party in the same position as if the uninsured or underinsured motorist had been properly insured.
South Dakota legislation mandates that every automobile liability policy include Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage. However, many people do not realize they have this coverage and may be entitled to recovery, even though the motorist lacked or had insufficient insurance coverage. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced accident attorney.
The attorneys at Johnson Janklow Abdallah, LLP, know the South Dakota laws and can represent you from the notice of a UM/UIM claim to the insurance company through the investigation and monetary resolution of your claim. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at 605-338-4304 or complete our convenient free case review form online.
