Mitch Vilos | Articles

The Truth About Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists Insurance Coverage

by Mitch Vilos, Attorney

Most people who buy our books will have gone to considerable effort to protect themselves tactically and legally in the event of an armed confrontation. But let's face it, you are statistically much more likely to be killed in a car wreck than by a gunshot wound. Likewise, we suspect the chances of being seriously injured in a car accident are much greater than being injured by a firearm. (How many people do you know who have been injured in a car accident? How many do you know who have been shot? We rest our case!) Experts estimate that 25% of all drivers have no insurance (hence the term "un-insured") and many more have inadequate coverage (they are "under-insured").

Our firm has represented hundreds of car-accident victims. Some of the most heart-wrenching financial tragedies happen to those who have enough LIABILITY insurance to cover them in the event THEY CAUSE an accident. Unfortunately, they don't have enough UN-INSURED or UNDER-INSURED motorists' coverage when THEY are INJURED by an at-fault un-insured or under-insured driver. The medical bills for patients with critical injuries can total from $100,000 to $500,000. In many states, minimum required liability insurance limits are as low as $15,000. It's misleading, but "full coverage" could mean you have the lowest limits available in all categories (liability, property damage, UM and UIM). A serious injury with medical bills of over $100,000 by a negligent driver with only $15,000 liability coverage could lead to instant bankruptcy.

Yes, you may have health insurance, but it usually comes with significant deductibles

Mitch is a member of the
Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Call 1-801-560-7117.
for a free consultation.

or co-pays. Furthermore, most health insurance contracts say the insurance company has a right to recover IN FULL what it has paid for your medical bills if you recover from the person who negligently injured you. These companies claim this right even though you have paid them premiums for years to bear the risk of paying your medical bills if you are injured. It doesn't seem to matter to health insurers that the settlement may be inadequate to fully compensate you for ALL your losses including past and future pain and suffering, lost income, medical bills, or permanent disability. Insurers refer to this right as "subrogation;" we call it #^@%&*@#! You get the point. Health insurance could be little help if the individual responsible for your injuries has no or inadequate liability coverage.

For these reasons we are on a private crusade to convince people to protect themselves and their families financially by assuming the individual responsibility to provide adequate insurance coverage. Please do yourself a favor and buy as much UN-INSURED (UM) and UNDER-INSURED (UIM) motorists' coverage as you can afford. It's really cheap - ask your agent. No, we're not insurance agents and we don't have stock in an insurance company! We just get depressed seeing good, hard-working people relegated to INSTANT POVERTY through no fault of their own. Their only "fault" is not having enough UM or UIM automobile insurance coverage! Call your agent NOW!

Have You
Been Injured
By Someone Else?

by Mitch Vilos, Attorney

Have you or loved ones sustained serious injuries which you believe was someone else's fault? Did the injury result in death or serious permanent injury which is documentable by medical proof such as X-Rays, CT Scans or MRI scans? Were your medical bills over $10,000 before your car or health insurance paid? Don't just call the first lawyer or law firm that you see advertising on television.

If we are not licensed in the jurisdiction where your case needs to be filed, we may be able to help you find the most reputable law firms practicing in that jurisdiction that can help you achieve the most fair and adequate compensation. Not every law firm has the resources to accomplish this.

Let us help you find the right law firm. We have the resources to help you find the best of the best.

Call 801-560-7117 to speak to me personally. If I am in court or otherwise unavailable, leave you name, a short description of your case and your return phone number. I will personally return your call; NOT a paralegal. You will not be billed for the call. Fees on all personal injury cases are contingent upon winning a verdict or settlement; no recovery, no fee.*

* Referral fees may apply where permitted by state law. This means the receiving law firm may share a portion of the contingency fee with the referring law firm; there are no additional fees charged to the client.

James D. "Mitch" Vilos

Attorney at Law | Personal Injury | Author
Call (801) 560-7117, M-F, 9-5, MST
P.O. Box 1148, Centerville, UT 84014