Everett Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Jeff & Kupala Foster
Personal Injury Attorneys · Mukilteo, WA
Being seriously injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver can feel like a dead end. You are hurt, facing medical bills and lost income, and the person responsible cannot pay. Foster Law Offices helps injury victims in exactly this situation. Washington law provides meaningful protections through Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage, and Foster Law has the experience to maximize your recovery under those protections. No fee unless we win. Call or text (425) 971-5400.
What You Need to Know
Washington requires auto insurers to offer Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist coverage to policyholders. UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all or when the driver fled the scene. UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but their policy limits are insufficient to fully compensate you for your injuries. Your own insurance company handles UM and UIM claims, and despite being your insurer they will still work to minimize what they pay you. The UM and UIM claims process can feel deeply unfair: you are fighting your own insurance company for benefits you paid premiums to have. Washington's Insurance Fair Conduct Act at RCW 48.30 provides critical protections. If your insurer unreasonably denies your claim, delays payment, or fails to conduct a proper investigation they may be liable for treble damages and attorney fees. Foster Law is experienced in IFCA claims and is not afraid to hold insurance companies accountable when they fail their policyholders. Washington law also prohibits insurers from raising your rates or canceling your policy because you made a UM or UIM claim when you were not at fault. Some policyholders choose not to make these claims out of fear of rate increases. That fear is unfounded and unnecessary. If you have UM or UIM coverage and the person who hurt you cannot fully compensate you, those benefits exist precisely for this situation. Foster Law handles all UM and UIM claims at no additional cost, coordinating with your insurer, fighting their lowball offers, and pursuing every dollar of coverage you are entitled to. The statute of limitations on UM and UIM claims in Washington is six years, longer than the standard personal injury statute, but do not wait.
What Foster Law Does for You
- —File UM and UIM claims under your own auto insurance policy
- —Negotiate with your insurance company to maximize your benefits
- —Identify additional sources of recovery beyond your own policy
- —Hold your insurer accountable under Washington's Insurance Fair Conduct Act when they act in bad faith
- —Litigate against your own insurer when necessary to secure fair compensation
Free Consultation
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No fee unless we win
Why Clients Choose Foster Law
- —Deep knowledge of Washington UM and UIM insurance requirements and policyholder rights
- —Experience holding insurance companies accountable under the IFCA
- —No fee unless we recover compensation for you
- —Direct attorney access from Jeff or Kupala throughout your case
- —Willingness to litigate when insurers refuse to treat you fairly
- —No office visit required. Reach us by phone, text, email, or Zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or fled the scene. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but their policy limits are too low to fully compensate your losses.
Will filing a UM claim raise my insurance rates?
Washington law prohibits insurers from raising your rates, canceling, or non-renewing your policy solely because you made a UM or UIM claim when you were not at fault.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Hit-and-run crashes are specifically covered under most UM policies. Report the incident to police immediately and call or text Foster Law. Physical contact between the vehicles is typically required but there are exceptions.
My own insurance company is offering me less than my medical bills. Is that normal?
Unfortunately yes. Insurers handling UM and UIM claims still work to minimize payments. If your insurer is being unreasonable Washington's Insurance Fair Conduct Act may give you additional remedies including treble damages.
Can I pursue a UM claim and a claim against the at-fault driver at the same time?
Yes though coordination between claims requires careful strategy. Foster Law handles both avenues simultaneously to maximize your total recovery.
How long do I have to file a UM or UIM claim in Washington?
Claims against your own insurer for UM and UIM benefits have a six-year statute of limitations in Washington, which is longer than the three-year deadline for claims against other drivers. However do not wait. Contact Foster Law as soon as possible.
The information in these FAQs is general legal information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
We Handle Uninsured Motorist Cases Throughout Snohomish County
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Talk to a Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Today
Jeff and Kupala Foster will personally review your case, answer your questions honestly, and tell you exactly what your options are. Free consultation. No obligation. No fee unless we win.
Available evenings & weekends · No fee unless we win
