Approximately one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured by 2010. This unfortunate prediction was published in a recent study from Insurance Research Council. According to the report the percentage of uninsured motorists decreased nationally, from 14.9 percent in 2003 to 13.8 percent in 2007. However,the recent economic downturn is expected to trigger a rise in the uninsured motorist rate.
The extent of the uninsured motorists problem varied by state. In 2007, the five states with the highest uninsured driver estimates were New Mexico (29 percent), Mississippi (28 percent), Alabama (26 percent), Oklahoma (24 percent), and Florida (23 percent). The five states with the lowest uninsured driver estimates were Massachusetts (1 percent), Maine (4 percent), North Dakota (5 percent), New York (5 percent), and Vermont (6 percent).
Arkansas uninsured drivers totaled 15 percent. Although Arkansas was not the worst, the number of uninsured drivers shows how important it is to have adequate uninsured motorist coverage. Arkansas law mandates that insurance companies offer at least $25,000.00 in uninsured coverage. Any denial of uninsured or under-insured coverage MUST BE IN WRITING.
Unfortunately, I have seen first hand the problems associated with uninsured drivers. Due to the high cost of medical care, it is imperative that all Arkansas motorist be fully insured with medical payments coverage, disability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. In fact, I tell my clients to have as much coverage as they can afford. Oftentimes, injuries from car accidents greatly exceed the insurance limits of the negligent driver. In these situations, a person injured in a car accident can make a claim on their insurance company to be fully compensated for their injuries. If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, please contact an experienced Arkansas car accident lawyer to fully understand your rights after the car accident.
