Uninsured Motorist Attorneys
Aggressive Legal Advocacy for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accident Victims
When an auto accident occurs, victims typically rely on the at-fault driver's insurance to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages. However, if the responsible party lacks adequate insurance coverage or is entirely uninsured, the compensation process can quickly become more complicated.
At Becker Franklin Rovang, we understand how to effectively approach cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. Our solutions-oriented lawyers can help you pursue all available avenues of compensation. We have been representing injury victims since 1984 and are ready to put our experience and resources to work for you!
Discuss your options with an uninsured motorist lawyer today in a free consultation. Call (360) 800-3009 or contact us online to get started.
our case results Our Clients Always Come First
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$4,700,000 Recovery - Negligence
Recovery for disabled man neglected in Kitsap County Jail who suffered brain damage and quadriplegia.
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$3,500,000 Pedestrians / Premises Liability
Our clients, a father and toddler son, were hit by a Park’s Department vehicle in Seattle while walking to the restroom. Father sustained an arm fracture and fractured vertebrae, toddler sustained a head injury. Settlement obtained after litigation.
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$2,025,000 Pedestrian Collision
Client was catastrophically injured whenstruck by a delivery driver in Port Orchard while attempting to cross the street. Insurance company for the driver blamed our client for stepping out into the roadway in the dark and did not take any responsibility. After litigation the matter was settled before trial.
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$1,500,000 Motor Vehicle Collision
Our client was a passenger on a shuttle bus in Kitsap County. The shuttle was struck by a drunk driver. Client sustained significant spinal injuries.
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$1,300,000 Pedestrian Collision
Our client, in her 60’s, was hit by vehicle while crossing a street in Kitsap County. Extensive injuries, liability was disputed.
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$1,050,000 Motor Vehicle Collision
Clients, husband and wife, were rear- ended by an RV while waiting in line for the ferry in Edmonds. Wife had prior lumbar spine issues that were severely aggravated requiring surgery. Defense argued that the incident did not aggravate the injuries. Policy limits obtained before trial.
If you or a loved one have an injury case in Kitsap, Pierce or Thurston counties, contact our office for a NO COST consultation. (360) 800-3009 or, complete our online contact form to get started.
Differences Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection when you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have any insurance at all. This means that if you were hit by an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage would step in to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses arising from the accident. It allows you to recover the damages you would otherwise expect to receive from the at-fault party's insurance, giving you peace of mind in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured motorist.
Underinsured motorist coverage, on the other hand, comes into play when you are in an accident with a driver who does carry insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to cover your total damages. In the state of Washington, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage, but this amount frequently does not cover the full extent of an accident victim’s damages. If you sustain injuries and your medical bills exceed the at-fault driver's insurance limits, for example, your underinsured motorist coverage would help cover the gap between their payout and your total expenses.
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“Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time.”
- KCI never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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“The team I got to work with was fantastic!”
- Stephanie W.The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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“Set realistic expectations and delivered.”
The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S. -
“They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing!”
I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
Your Rights After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
When you are involved in any type of vehicular accident, your first step should be to call 9-1-1 and report the collision. Never leave the scene of an accident until law enforcement arrives. Once it is safe to do so, you should also exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This may be where you learn they do not have adequate insurance coverage – or they do not have insurance at all. In these scenarios, the other driver may ask you not to involve the police. Politely but firmly decline.
In some cases, an uninsured or underinsured motorist may drive away after a collision. The same steps apply if you are the victim of a hit and run: Call 9-1-1, stay at the scene, and wait for the police. Try to remember as many details as possible and relay them to the responding officer, including the vehicle’s make, model, color, license number, and any other identifiers. Any physical description of the driver can also be useful. Look for nearby traffic or security cameras that may be able to help law enforcement identify and locate the hit-and-run driver.
If the police are able to find the driver and they are insured, you can take legal action to recover damages. However, keep in mind that drivers often flee from accidents because they know they are underinsured or uninsured.
We recommend that all drivers carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves in these situations. The state of Washington does not require drivers to carry this coverage, but drivers without it may have limited options for recovering compensation if they suffer injuries due to the actions of an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
If you do have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you have the right to file a claim with your insurance company. Should your claim with your insurance company be denied or not result in satisfactory compensation, you have the right to challenge the decision. This is where having an uninsured motorist attorney on your side can prove invaluable.
where you can find us Our Office Locations
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Port Orchard1730 Pottery Avenue
Suite 210
Port Orchard, WA 98366 -
Poulsbo19307 8th Avenue NE
Suite C
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Time Limits for Filling an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Many uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance policies contain clauses that require prompt notification of an accident and may have strict deadlines regarding the filing of a claim, typically ranging from days to a few months after the incident. Failing to adhere to these policy guidelines can jeopardize your ability to recover damages, which is why you should not wait to report the accident to your insurance provider.
If you cannot reach an acceptable settlement with your insurance company, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to take further legal action. Missing this deadline will significantly limit your options.
Benefits of Hiring an Uninsured Motorist Attorney
One of the key benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer to assist with your uninsured motorist claim is their understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to your case. An attorney can also help you gather and document the evidence needed to substantiate your claim. This may include medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, all of which are crucial to demonstrating the extent of your injuries and losses.
An attorney’s experience in negotiating with insurance companies is another significant advantage. They know the strategies that insurers may employ to minimize payouts and are skilled negotiators who can effectively advocate for your rights.
Should your claim escalate to litigation, a trial-ready attorney can prepare and present your case in court. They can work to establish liability, present compelling evidence, argue on your behalf, and prove the elements required to secure a favorable result.
Time Limits for Filling an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Many uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance policies contain clauses that require prompt notification of an accident and may have strict deadlines regarding the filing of a claim, typically ranging from days to a few months after the incident. Failing to adhere to these policy guidelines can jeopardize your ability to recover damages, which is why you should not wait to report the accident to your insurance provider.
If you cannot reach an acceptable settlement with your insurance company, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to take further legal action. Missing this deadline will significantly limit your options.
