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On Michigan’s roads, many drivers carry only the state-minimum liability insurance. This means that after a serious crash, the available coverage may be nowhere near enough to cover the medical bills, wage loss, or long-term injuries suffered by the victim. Even more alarming, a significant number of drivers have no insurance at all, or flee the scene entirely—leaving injured people without the support they desperately need.
The reality is simple: the costs of recovering from a crash can far exceed the at-fault driver’s available insurance limits. Emergency treatment, hospitalization, physical therapy, and months away from work quickly compound into financial and emotional hardship.
This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage become essential. These optional policy protections step in when the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you. They safeguard individuals and families from the all-too-common situation where the wrongdoer lacks the resources to make things right.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we pride ourselves on our integrity, clarity, and unwavering client-first advocacy. Our team helps clients understand their UM/UIM rights, evaluate their policies, and pursue full compensation—even when the at-fault driver falls dangerously short.
Understanding UM and UIM Coverage
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
UM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. This includes:
- Accidents involving uninsured drivers
- Hit-and-run crashes where the responsible driver cannot be identified
- Scenarios where the at-fault driver denies involvement or provides false information
To make a UM claim, policyholders typically must:
- Report the accident promptly
- Notify their insurer that a UM claim may be required
- Cooperate with the insurer's investigation
Without UM coverage, victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers may receive little or nothing despite suffering severe injuries.
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your full losses.
A UIM claim:
- Kicks in after the at-fault driver’s policy is exhausted
- Pays the difference between their insurance and the true value of your injury damages
- Provides compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term losses
Even with Michigan No-Fault benefits, UIM coverage remains critical because No-Fault does not pay for pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, or the full scope of long-term income loss.
Why Minimum Limits Fail to Protect Michigan Drivers
Michigan’s Minimum Bodily Injury Limits
Michigan law allows drivers to carry relatively low minimum liability limits (e.g., 20/40 or higher depending on the chosen policy). These limits represent:
- $20,000 maximum compensation per injured person
- $40,000 maximum for all victims in a single crash
Realistic Costs After a Serious Collision
Injuries from car accidents often require:
- Emergency room care and imaging
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Long-term or permanent work restrictions
Additionally, victims suffer damages not covered by workers’ compensation or No-Fault, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of normal life
- Permanent impairment
Common Scenarios Where UM/UIM Is Needed
UM/UIM protection becomes essential in cases involving:
- Hit-and-run accidents, where the responsible driver disappears
- Drunk or distracted drivers with minimal insurance
- Drivers with policy lapses, expired insurance, or illegal no-insurance driving
- Multi-person crashes, where several injured victims must share limited coverage
How UM and UIM Claims Work
Triggering a UM Claim
A UM claim begins when it becomes clear that the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified.
Key steps include:
- Reporting requirements and deadlines
Most insurers require immediate notice of a potential UM claim. Delays can jeopardize coverage. - Identifying an uninsured driver or hit-and-run
Police reports, witness statements, and investigative efforts help confirm whether UM coverage applies. - Working with your insurer to open a UM investigation
This may involve providing medical records, accident documentation, and statements describing how the crash occurred.
UM claims often demand strict compliance with policy conditions, making early legal guidance invaluable.
Triggering a UIM Claim
A UIM claim is triggered when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to compensate for your injuries.
- Determining if the at-fault driver’s limits are insufficient
Medical bills, wage loss, and non-economic damages often exceed minimal policy limits. - Submitting documentation showing your damages exceed available coverage
This typically includes medical records, wage statements, and evidence of long-term impact. - Requesting your insurer’s consent before settling with the at-fault carrier
Failure to obtain written consent can void your UIM claim, making this step essential.
The Role of Your Insurance Company
Even though you are making a claim against your own insurer, it does not mean the process will be easy.
- Duty to evaluate your claim fairly
Insurers must follow the policy and Michigan law. - When insurers delay, underpay, or deny UM/UIM benefits
Adjusters may dispute damages, challenge medical treatment, or blame pre-existing conditions. - Why legal representation often becomes necessary
An attorney ensures deadlines are met, consent is properly obtained, and the insurer treats you fairly.
Proving Damages in UM/UIM Cases
Medical Documentation
Strong medical evidence shows the nature and severity of your injuries:
- Hospital and ER records
- Specialist evaluations
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans, X-rays)
- Long-term treatment plans and future care projections
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
When injuries impact your ability to work, evidence may include:
- Wage verification forms
- Employment records showing missed time
- Vocational assessments for permanently altered work ability
Pain and Suffering Evidence
UM/UIM claims allow recovery for real human losses:
- Impact on daily functioning
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
- Lasting restrictions on lifestyle, hobbies, and family life
Property Damage and Other Losses
Additional compensable categories include:
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses for medications or equipment
- Transportation costs and replacement services
How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Help Maximize UM/UIM Compensation
Thorough Policy Review
Many people are unfamiliar with the fine print of their insurance policy. Our attorneys conduct a meticulous review to determine:
- Coverage levels, exclusions, and hidden limitations
- All available insurance sources, including umbrella policies or secondary coverage
This early step ensures no potential avenue of compensation is overlooked.
Comprehensive Claim Development
Building a strong UM/UIM claim requires a complete picture of both the immediate injury and long-term impact.
We gather:
- Medical records, wage information, and detailed damage evidence
- Expert testimony, including medical specialists, vocational experts, or accident reconstructionists when needed
- Documentation showing the long-term consequences of the injury—physical, emotional, and financial
Our detailed approach ensures the insurer understands the full extent of your losses.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers often attempt to minimize UM/UIM payouts. Our attorneys step in to:
- Challenge low offers or improper denials
- Present organized, compelling evidence of damages
- Advocate for full and fair recovery under your contract
We negotiate aggressively so clients receive the compensation they paid premiums to secure.
Litigation When Necessary
When insurers refuse to act in good faith, we do not hesitate to take action:
- Pursuing UM/UIM benefits in court to enforce the terms of your policy
- Presenting strong cases supported by medical records, expert opinions, and testimony
Our litigation experience often leads to favorable settlements or verdicts that fully compensate injured clients.
Steps to Take After an Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Prompt care protects your health and creates medical documentation linking injuries to the crash.
Call the Police and Get a Report
A police report is crucial for identifying the at-fault driver’s insurance—or lack thereof—and establishing the facts of the collision.
Photograph the Vehicles and Accident Scene
Pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and injury symptoms can become powerful evidence.
Exchange Information—If Possible
If the other driver remains at the scene, obtain:
- Name
- Contact information
- Insurance details
- License plate number
If the driver flees, note as many details as possible and share them with police.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
UM/UIM claims have strict notice requirements. Prompt reporting protects your right to benefits.
Avoid Speaking to Adjusters Without Legal Advice
Statements given too early or without legal guidance may be used to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Shift blame
- Reduce or deny your UM/UIM claim
Legal support ensures your rights remain protected from the start.
Protect Yourself Before the Crash Happens
Michigan roads are unpredictable, and too many drivers carry minimum—or no—insurance at all. When a serious crash occurs, Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage can mean the difference between financial stability and overwhelming hardship. These protections ensure that even when the at-fault driver fails to carry enough insurance, you are not left absorbing the cost of their negligence.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we stand beside drivers and families across Michigan—reviewing policies, filing claims, and fighting insurance companies that refuse to do what's right. Our commitment to integrity, clarity, and client-first advocacy means you receive guidance every step of the way. Protect your future before you ever need to use your coverage.
Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick
Address: 2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072
Phone: 248-584-1300
Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)
Fax: 248-584-1323
Website: lsmlawyers.com