Uninsured motorist coverage is the only thing standing between you and financial loss if you are hit by a driver with no insurance.

Insurance companies in Virginia understand this rule and use it aggressively. If the accident details are unclear, an adjuster will look for any reason to assign you partial fault: you were distracted, not paying full attention, could have reacted faster, or were slightly over the speed limit. These arguments don’t need to be strong, just enough to create doubt and trigger contributory negligence, which can lead to a denial. In Virginia, even a small amount of fault is enough.

If you are within six months of the two-year deadline and your case has not settled, you need to file a lawsuit to preserve your rights. Settlement negotiations can continue after the lawsuit is filed, but filing protects you from losing your claim entirely.

If the at-fault driver has no insurance and you are not sure what your options are, do not wait to find out. UM claims have deadlines, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case.

Motorcycle crashes can have long-lasting consequences. Understanding the causes of accidents and how fault is determined is the first step to protecting yourself. Taking immediate legal action and consulting a skilled personal injury attorney ensures that your claim is handled properly.