Jones Injury Attorneys | June 10, 2026 | Car Accidents
After a serious car accident, insurance is often a primary lifeline for recovering compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Usually, injured victims pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, some drivers carry no insurance at all, while others carry only the minimum coverage required by law. In serious collisions, accident victims may need compensation beyond the at-fault driver’s policy limits to fully cover their losses.
For many drivers, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is one of the most valuable protections contained within their automobile insurance policy. It may provide critical compensation when the driver responsible for the crash lacks adequate insurance to fully cover the harm they caused.
Overview of UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may provide compensation when a driver who caused an accident cannot fully pay for the damages they caused.
Although often discussed together, they address different situations. Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance and in hit-and-run accident cases when the responsible driver cannot be identified.
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but the available policy limits are insufficient to cover the injured person’s losses. UM/UIM coverage generally comes from an injured person’s own insurance policy, meaning it’s “first-party,” rather than “third-party” coverage.
In many cases, UM/UIM coverage helps accident victims recover compensation that otherwise may be unavailable.
What Damages Can UM/UIM Coverage Pay?
The exact benefits available depend on the policy language and state law. However, UM/UIM claims often provide compensation for many of the same damages available in a traditional injury claim.
These policies step in to cover damages that would have been addressed by the at-fault driver’s insurance if they had sufficient coverage.
Potential damages may include:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Surgical costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In fatal accident cases, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also provide important wrongful death benefits to surviving family members. Depending on the policy language and applicable law, recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of household services, and the emotional and relational losses suffered by surviving family members.
How UM/UIM Claims Work
A UM/UIM claim is generally made against your own insurance company. Although policyholders pay premiums for this protection, UM/UIM coverage may not be automatic.
Like in third-party claims, an injured victim’s UM/UIM insurer will investigate the accident to determine if it is liable for its insured’s damages. Like third-party insurers, UM/UIM insurers may also deny or undervalue a person’s claim.
As a result, UM/UIM claims frequently require the same level of preparation and evidence as any other personal injury case.
How Can a Lawyer Help With a UM/UIM Claim?
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims can be more complicated than many people realize. Although these claims are filed through an insurance policy, disputes often arise regarding coverage, liability, and the value of a victim’s damages.
An attorney may be able to help by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy to identify available UM/UIM benefits and other potential sources of coverage
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and document the full extent of your injuries and damages
- Working with medical professionals and experts to evaluate future treatment needs and long-term losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company when coverage or compensation is disputed
- Filing a lawsuit and pursuing litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Having experienced legal guidance can help ensure that your claim is properly valued and that all available avenues for compensation are explored.
Contact the Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyers at Jones Injury Attorneys for Help Today
Recovering compensation after a serious car accident can be challenging, especially when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance coverage. Understanding your rights under a UM/UIM policy is an important step toward protecting your financial future and obtaining the resources you need for recovery.
At Jones Injury Attorneys, we help accident victims navigate complex insurance claims and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you are considering filing a UM/UIM claim after a car accident, contact us today to schedule a free case review with an Albuquerque car accident attorney and learn more about your legal rights and options.
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8205 Spain Rd NE #111-B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 578-2620
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1011 Lomas Blvd NW #106, Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 375-2700
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