In Washington, understanding the difference between third-party personal injury claims and uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) claims is critical after an auto collision.

In Washington, understanding the difference between third-party personal injury claims and uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) claims is critical after an auto collision. A third-party claim is brought directly against the at-fault driver (and their insurance company) for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and recovery is typically limited by that driver’s policy limits. By contrast, a UIM claim is made against your own insurance policy when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or insufficient coverage to fully compensate you for your losses. While third-party claims often involve more straightforward liability disputes, UIM claims can become more complex, as your own insurer may step into an adversarial role in evaluating the value of your case. Coordinating both types of claims effectively — often at the same time — can be essential to maximizing recovery, particularly in serious injury cases where damages exceed available liability coverage.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision and have questions about your claim, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help!