For nearly five decades, Tingey Injury Law Firm attorneys have had a front row seat to the tragedies that ensue when drivers fail to purchase adequate amounts of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This year has been particularly alarming, with nearly half of all the firm’s car crash-related clients failing to have this important coverage. As a result, Tingey attorneys are now warning all Nevadans that the benefits of purchasing this coverage far outweigh the costs.
Tingey Injury Law Firm represents people who have experienced harm and loss, primarily due to car accidents, wrongful death, work injuries, premise injuries (such as slip and fall accidents), and dog bites. Their experienced car accident injury lawyers stand up to the tactics of big insurance companies and help their clients get the compensation they deserve for property damage, medical treatment, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
Starting July 1, 2018, the minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage increased to $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 in property damage (“25/50/20”). But according to firm attorney Dean Tingey, people who are hit by a driver who only carries that minimum amount may be left footing their own medical bills — even if the other party was entirely at fault.
“The state-required minimum may cover a small accident with minor injuries, but it will not be enough for more advanced medical treatment like injections or surgery,” said Tingey.
And the outcome will be even worse if the at-fault driver has no insurance at all or if they flee the scene of the accident.
In the case of a serious accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, victims can draw on their own UM/UIM policies to cover their injuries. On the other hand, if they do not have UM/UIM, victims will be unable to recover anything. They will be left relying on their own health insurance (if they have a good plan) or simply paying for their own medical bills out of pocket.
Tingey said that he and his fellow car accident attorneys were moved to speak out strongly in favor of this type of coverage after seeing a disturbing trend this year.
“Since this type of insurance is not required by law, we find that people tend to wave it off and figure that they won’t need it,” said Tingey. “But we’ve seen enough clients recently who have been devastated by not having it that we are advising all Nevadans to add it to their auto insurance policies.”
Tingey said that the cost of this insurance is small compared to what it can do to help people who have been hit by a motorist without adequate coverage — or by a hit-and-run driver.
Tingey Injury Law Firm delivers experience, strength, and integrity to its clients. The firm’s team of expert attorneys have advocated for tens of thousands of victims from the greater Las Vegas area, building compelling cases that help them recover the full range of their financial losses. To learn more about the firm, visit www.TingeyLawFirm.com.
About Tingey Injury Law Firm
Tingey Injury Law Firm aims to provide the highest quality legal representation and counsel for those affected by personal injuries in Las Vegas. Cases include auto accident, wrongful death, work injury, personal injury (such as a slip and fall, or trip and fall), or dog bite. Their attorneys maintain a reputation for thoroughness and preparedness that is recognized in the local community.
