Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury in Las Cruces, NM
Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver does not have insurance. Unfortunately, this is a reality on the roads in Las Cruces and across Southern New Mexico, where many drivers operate vehicles without adequate coverage. In these cases, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, often called UMBI, can be a lifeline for accident victims. At Egan Law Offices, we help clients understand their rights under these policies and fight for the compensation they deserve.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage?
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is a type of insurance protection included in most auto policies. It is designed to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when you are injured by a driver who has no liability insurance. In New Mexico, insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage, although drivers can choose to decline it in writing. Many people do not realize the importance of this protection until they are involved in a serious crash.
Why UMBI Matters in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico
According to recent reports, New Mexico consistently ranks among the states with one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers. In Las Cruces, drivers on I-10, I-25, and Highway 70 frequently share the road with motorists who may have no insurance at all. When these drivers cause a crash, victims without UMBI coverage are often left facing medical bills and financial hardship with no clear source of recovery. UMBI ensures that your own insurance steps in to cover the losses that should have been paid by the negligent driver.
What Does UMBI Cover?
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage can provide compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost income if you cannot return to work
- Rehabilitation expenses such as physical therapy
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Funeral expenses in cases of fatal crashes
This coverage applies not only when you are driving but also if you are struck as a pedestrian or cyclist by an uninsured driver. It can also help in cases involving hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
The Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIMBI) comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not high enough to cover the full cost of your injuries. Both protections are important in New Mexico, where many drivers carry only the state minimum liability insurance. In serious accidents, those limits are quickly exhausted, leaving victims dependent on their own UIMBI coverage.
Challenges in UMBI Claims
Although uninsured motorist coverage is supposed to protect you, insurance companies do not always make the process easy. Some insurers delay payment, undervalue claims, or argue that your injuries are not as severe as reported. In other cases, they may dispute whether the accident qualifies for UMBI benefits, especially in hit-and-run situations. Having an experienced Las Cruces personal injury attorney on your side can level the playing field and ensure that your own insurance company honors its obligations.
How Egan Law Offices Can Help
At Egan Law Offices, we understand the frustration of being injured by an uninsured driver. Our team investigates accidents thoroughly, reviews insurance policies, and negotiates directly with insurers to pursue the compensation our clients are owed. If necessary, we are prepared to take legal action to enforce your rights. We provide personal attention and local insight, representing clients throughout Las Cruces and
Southern New Mexico who are struggling with the aftermath of uninsured motorist accidents.
Talk to a Las Cruces Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Las Cruces, do not face the process alone. Uninsured motorist bodily injury claims can be complex, but you do not have to navigate them without help. Contact Egan Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.