Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Personal Injury and Car Accident Law Experience
Aurora Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Attorney
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable When Coverage Falls Short
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Aurora or anywhere in Colorado, you may still have options for recovering compensation.
Although the at-fault driver may lack sufficient coverage, your own auto insurance policy may include Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage that can provide crucial financial relief.
Unfortunately, even your own insurance company may attempt to avoid paying what you are owed. If your insurer delays, undervalues, or outright denies your UM/UIM claim, you may be facing insurance bad faith—and you need a skilled attorney to protect your rights.
The Lawrence Law Firm can help you fight back and recover the compensation you deserve.
What Is UM/UIM Insurance Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you if the driver who caused the accident has no insurance at all or flees the scene (hit-and-run). Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but the policy limits are too low to cover your damages.
For example, Colorado law only requires drivers to carry $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage. That amount may barely cover an ambulance ride, let alone surgery, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
UM/UIM coverage helps make up the difference—if your insurance company honors your claim.
Information concerning the uninsured motorist coverage can be found in the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Many Colorado drivers also carry Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), which covers medical expenses regardless of fault. The standard minimum is $5,000, and it can be used immediately for hospital bills, ambulance transport, or other emergency care. MedPay can help prevent unpaid medical bills from going to collections while your injury claim is pending.
Injured in Colorado?
Speak directly with a UM/UIM Bad Faith attorney about your case. We’ll review your situation, answer your legal questions, and explain your options — all at no cost and with no obligation.
Filing a UM/UIM Claim: Know Your Rights
Filing a UM or UIM claim involves more than submitting paperwork. Because you’re filing a claim against your own insurer, the process is contractual in nature and bound by your policy’s fine print. Insurance companies must follow specific procedures—but so must you.
You must:
- Promptly notify your insurer of the accident and your intent to file a UM/UIM claim.
- Cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation.
- Avoid settling with the at-fault driver’s insurance without your own insurer’s permission, if required by your policy.
Failing to follow these steps could result in your claim being denied—not because it lacks merit, but due to technical violations of your policy. The personal injury process is complicated, but a dedicated UM/UIM attorney can help.
How Insurance Companies Fight UM/UIM Claims
Although your insurance company has a fiduciary duty to treat you fairly, it is still a business—one that profits by minimizing payouts. Here are common tactics insurers use to undermine or deny your claim:
- Delaying communication or “losing” documentation
- Claiming injuries are pre-existing
- Questioning the severity of your injuries
- Disputing medical necessity of treatment
- Offering lowball settlements far below the value of your claim
- Blaming you for part or all of the accident
- Denying coverage outright
If this sounds familiar, you may be facing an instance of insurance bad faith—which is grounds for legal action beyond your original injury claim. Our uninsured motorist attorney can review the facts of your case and determine the best possible outcome.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith in Colorado?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company unreasonably delays or denies benefits that are rightfully owed under a policy. In Colorado, bad faith insurance practices are illegal, and victims can file separate claims against the insurer.
You may be entitled to:
- Triple the amount of unreasonably delayed or denied benefits (per Colorado Revised Statute § 10-3-1116)
- Additional compensation for emotional distress or financial hardship
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
A successful bad faith claim holds the insurer accountable for violating its duty of good faith and fair dealing—not just for denying your UM/UIM claim, but for how they did it.
When You Need a Colorado Uninsured Motorist Attorney
You should contact a bad faith or UM/UIM attorney if:
- You were seriously injured in an accident caused by a driver with little or no insurance
- Your insurer has refused to pay your UM/UIM benefits
- You were offered a settlement far below your actual damages
- Your insurance company is delaying payment or ignoring your claim
- You feel intimidated, confused, or pressured by insurance adjusters
Attorney Lain Lawrence has handled complex UM/UIM and bad faith insurance claims throughout Aurora and the Denver Metro Area. He can evaluate your policy, estimate the true value of your claim, and take over negotiations or litigation as needed.
What a Colorado Uninsured Motorist Attorney Can Do for You
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we take the pressure off injured clients so they can focus on healing. Here’s how we help:
- Review your insurance policies for UM, UIM, and MedPay coverage
- File a detailed and compliant claim on your behalf
- Negotiate with your insurer to maximize your compensation
- Pursue bad faith litigation if your rights have been violated
- Handle subrogation issues with health insurers or medical providers
- Ensure you don’t unknowingly void your policy’s protections
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t owe anything unless our Colorado uninsured motorist attorney recovers compensation for you.
Why Your Insurance Coverage Matters More Than Ever
In many UM/UIM cases, your own insurance is the only path to compensation. Knowing what your policy includes—and how to use it—is critical. A qualified attorney will ensure:
- All sources of compensation are pursued
- Policy conditions are followed to avoid denial
- Medical expenses are covered without delay
- Your future care needs are factored into any settlement
Speak with an Aurora UM/UIM Attorney Today
If you’re battling an insurance company after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t go it alone. Let Attorney Lain Lawrence and The Lawrence Law Firm fight for the full value of your case.
We offer free consultations and serve clients throughout Aurora, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, and the greater Denver area. You have nothing to lose—and possibly everything to gain.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the other driver’s policy limits are too low to fully cover your injuries and losses.
Am I required to carry UM/UIM coverage in Colorado?
No, but insurance companies are required to offer it. If you declined UM/UIM coverage, you must have signed a waiver. If not, you may still be eligible for benefits.
Can I make a UM or UIM claim if I was a passenger or pedestrian?
Yes. If you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver while walking or riding in someone else’s vehicle, you may still file a UM/UIM claim under your own or the host driver’s policy.
What happens if I settle with the at-fault driver’s insurer before contacting my own?
Settling without your insurer’s permission can void your UM/UIM coverage. It’s critical to involve an attorney before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How do I know if my insurance company is acting in bad faith?
Signs of bad faith include unreasonable claim denials, unexplained delays, low settlement offers, misrepresenting policy terms, or ignoring your communications. An attorney can assess your situation and hold the insurer accountable.
How long do I have to file a UM/UIM or bad faith claim in Colorado?
The general statute of limitations for a UM/UIM claim is three years. However, bad faith claims may follow a different deadline, depending on the policy and circumstances. Speak to an attorney right away to preserve your rights.
What kind of compensation is available in a UM/UIM claim?
You may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Can I sue my own insurance company?
Yes. If your insurer violates its duties under your policy or acts in bad faith, you can file a lawsuit for breach of contract and potentially recover additional damages.
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Contact Information
Address
2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865 Aurora, CO 80014
Contact
lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment