WATERBURY, CT - Car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers continue to present serious financial challenges across Connecticut. According to Waterbury car accident lawyer Dan Petroskey of DeFronzo & Petroskey P.C. (https://www.defronzolawfirm.com/how-uninsured-and-underinsured-motorist-claims-work-in-connecticut/), understanding how uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims work is critical for any driver navigating recovery after a crash.
Despite mandatory insurance requirements in Connecticut, many motorists operate vehicles with no insurance or only minimum coverage. In such situations, a Waterbury car accident lawyer can assist with pursuing compensation through the injured driver’s own insurance policy under UM/UIM coverage. These claims often serve as the primary avenue for financial recovery when the at-fault party lacks adequate resources.
UM/UIM claims are increasingly common in Connecticut, particularly in urban areas like Waterbury, where traffic conditions and accident rates remain high. A Waterbury car accident lawyer, such as Dan Petroskey highlights the importance of this coverage, noting that it applies not only in cases involving uninsured drivers but also when the liable driver’s policy limits fall short. “Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is one of the most important protections on your policy,” said Petroskey. “Too often, people don’t realize they have it—or how to use it—until it’s too late.”
Connecticut law requires a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM/UIM bodily injury coverage. These limits are equal to the state’s minimum liability coverage and automatically match the policyholder’s liability limits unless specifically reduced in writing. UM/UIM coverage is designed to cover bodily injuries for drivers, household family members, and passengers when the responsible driver is uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified, such as in a hit-and-run accident. This coverage does not extend to property damage, which is addressed separately under collision coverage.
UM/UIM coverage becomes especially critical when an uninsured motorist causes the crash. In many cases, even if a judgment is obtained against the uninsured driver, recovery is unlikely due to the lack of assets. As Dan Petroskey explains, insurance coverage carried by the injured party often becomes the only realistic source of compensation.
Underinsured motorist claims arise when the at-fault driver holds insurance, but the policy limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. For example, if medical bills, lost income, and other losses total $150,000, and the at-fault driver’s insurance provides only $25,000, the remaining compensation may be sought through the injured party’s own UIM coverage, up to the policy limits.
Connecticut also offers underinsured motorist conversion coverage, a lesser-known policy enhancement that allows additional recovery. Under standard UIM coverage, any amount paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance reduces the amount payable by the policyholder’s insurer. With conversion coverage, the limits stack, allowing both payments to be collected in full. In serious accidents, this difference can substantially affect total compensation. Insurance providers must offer this option when selling new policies, although purchasing it remains the driver’s responsibility.
Strict timelines apply to UM/UIM claims. Connecticut’s statute of limitations allows up to three years from the date of the accident to pursue legal action or arbitration. For underinsured claims, the deadline can be extended by providing written notice to the insurer within the initial three years, then initiating proceedings within 180 days after the at-fault driver’s limits are exhausted. However, shorter deadlines may apply when coverage is denied or if the at-fault driver's insurer becomes insolvent.
In addition to statutory deadlines, insurance policies often include internal reporting requirements, such as prompt notification of an accident. While such provisions cannot override the three-year filing period, failure to provide timely notice may allow insurers to argue prejudice or deny claims.
Common challenges in UM/UIM claims include disputes over liability, causation, and damages. Insurance carriers may attempt to assign fault to the injured party under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule, which can reduce or eliminate compensation depending on the percentage of fault. Disagreements often arise regarding whether injuries are accident-related, whether treatment is reasonable, or how to value non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Coverage exclusions may also affect claims. For instance, some policies exclude coverage for injuries that occur while occupying an uninsured vehicle owned by the policyholder. Other exclusions may apply based on the circumstances of the incident or conduct involved.
Connecticut law further prohibits “stacking” UM/UIM coverage across multiple vehicles or policies. Regardless of how many vehicles are insured under the same or separate policies, coverage cannot be combined to increase the available limits for a single incident. According to Dan Petroskey, selecting sufficient limits at the time of purchasing or renewing a policy is essential due to this restriction.
UM/UIM claims may be manageable in straightforward cases, but legal representation is often necessary when injuries are severe, liability is disputed, or the claim is denied. Legal support is particularly valuable when navigating arbitration, coordinating underinsured claims after settling with the at-fault insurer, or addressing conversion coverage issues. Dan Petroskey assists clients in preparing thorough claims, managing insurer communications, and advocating for full compensation under state law and policy terms.
Carefully selecting UM/UIM limits and considering optional conversion coverage provides stronger protection against the financial impact of serious crashes. Connecticut drivers can purchase UM/UIM coverage up to twice the amount of their bodily injury liability limits. Given the number of drivers with insufficient coverage, selecting higher limits is a practical step, especially in regions like Waterbury where accident rates are higher and recovery may require substantial medical care and long-term support.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage exists to fill the gap when the at-fault party is unable to pay. With appropriate coverage and legal support, Connecticut drivers can protect their health, finances, and future after a serious accident. As Dan Petroskey emphasizes, understanding how UM/UIM claims work is not just beneficial—it’s essential for anyone navigating the aftermath of a collision involving an underinsured or uninsured motorist.
About DeFronzo & Petroskey P.C.:
DeFronzo & Petroskey P.C. is a Connecticut law firm representing individuals injured in motor vehicle collisions and other personal injury cases. The firm provides legal support throughout the claims process and helps clients pursue fair compensation under Connecticut law.
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