Getting into a car accident is already overwhelming. But when the driver who caused it does not have insurance, things become even more difficult. Unfortunately, this situation is common in Nevada. Many drivers either carry no insurance at all or have too little to cover serious injuries.

This is where uninsured motorist coverage steps in. It protects you when someone else fails to. In a state like Nevada, where accidents happen daily, having this type of coverage can protect your health, your income, and your peace of mind.

In this blog, we explain what uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is, when it applies, and how it can help you after a crash. We also explain how Moss Berg Injury Law can guide you through every step of your claim.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional insurance feature that protects you if the other driver does not have liability insurance. There is also underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which applies when the other driver has some coverage but not enough to pay for your losses.

Nevada does not require drivers to carry UM or UIM coverage. However, insurance companies must offer it when writing new policies. Many drivers do not realize how valuable it is until it is too late.

UM and UIM coverage can help pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages from time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation or ongoing care
• Funeral expenses, in tragic cases 

This coverage works for drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians who are hit by uninsured or underinsured vehicles.

Why Is This Coverage So Important in Nevada?

Nevada has a higher-than-average number of uninsured drivers. While the law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, many do not. Others let policies lapse or never buy enough coverage to begin with.

Currently, Nevada’s minimum liability coverage is:

• $25,000 for injury to one person
• $50,000 per accident
• $20,000 for property damage

These amounts may seem like a lot, but they often fall short in serious accidents. A single hospital visit or surgery can easily exceed these limits. When that happens, the at-fault driver’s policy runs out, and you are left to cover the rest—unless you have UM or UIM coverage.

You can learn more about how this type of coverage fits into Nevada’s laws by reviewing our full list of practice areas.

Common Scenarios Where UM or UIM Applies

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage applies in more situations than most people think. Here are some examples:

• Hit-and-run crashes: The other driver flees, and their identity is unknown.
• The driver has no insurance: Despite the law, some people drive without any coverage.
• Too little coverage: The other driver’s policy does not pay for all your damages.
• You are a pedestrian or cyclist: UM coverage can still apply if you were not in a car.
• You are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle: You may still be protected. 

These situations are unpredictable. That is why having UM coverage before an accident is so important. It acts as your backup plan when the other party cannot or will not pay.

What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

If you are injured in a crash caused by someone without insurance, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 to report the accident.
2. Get medical attention right away.
3. Take photos and collect evidence at the scene, if safe.
4. Get witness statements and contact details.
5. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
6. Request to activate your UM or UIM coverage.

You should also avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without legal advice. Even though you are filing through your own insurance, they will still investigate and may try to minimize your claim.

This is when legal help becomes essential. At Moss Berg Injury Law, we guide clients through every step of the process. You can view examples of our work on the case results page.

Challenges You May Face

Filing a UM or UIM claim sounds simple, but it often comes with complications. Insurance companies may:

• Dispute fault
• Downplay the severity of your injuries
• Offer low settlements
• Delay or deny payment 

Even though the claim is with your own insurance company, they still look for ways to protect their bottom line. Our legal team understands these tactics. We know how to push back and build strong cases based on facts, documentation, and expert input.

If your insurance provider is not cooperating or you are unsure what your policy covers, we can help. Learn more about who we are on the Meet the Attorneys page.

Can You File a Lawsuit?

Sometimes, yes. If your insurance provider refuses to pay a valid UM or UIM claim, legal action may be necessary. This is typically known as a “bad faith” case. It means the insurer failed to handle your claim fairly.

You may also have the right to pursue other parties if they contributed to the accident. For example, if a company failed to maintain a fleet vehicle, or if a bar over-served the at-fault driver, you may have more than one source of compensation.

An experienced injury attorney can investigate and find every path forward. That includes working through complex insurance policies and identifying all liable parties.

Is This Coverage Worth the Cost?

Absolutely. UM and UIM coverage are often affordable add-ons to your policy, and they offer major protection. Many drivers never think about them until it is too late.

Here is why this coverage is a smart move:

• It protects you when the other driver cannot
• It applies to you, your passengers, and even pedestrians
• It is useful in hit-and-run situations
• It can cover expenses beyond medical bills, like therapy or lost income

We have helped many clients who would have faced huge financial strain without this coverage. You can read their stories on our testimonials page.

How Moss Berg Injury Law Can Help

At Moss Berg Injury Law, we understand how stressful insurance claims can be. We help injured clients across Nevada file strong UM and UIM claims and challenge unfair denials.

We assist with:

• Reviewing your policy and available coverage
• Communicating directly with your insurer
• Gathering medical records and accident evidence
• Preparing legal arguments to support your claim 

Many people feel alone after a crash. They do not realize they are still protected. Our job is to help you understand your rights and take the pressure off your shoulders.

We also publish updates and advice like this on our personal injury blog, where you can stay informed about your options.

Contact Moss Berg Injury Law Today

If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, time matters. Evidence fades and insurance timelines move quickly. You should not have to carry the burden of someone else’s mistake.

Call Moss Berg Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, examine your insurance policy, and guide you toward the best outcome.

There is no cost to speak with us. We only get paid if we win. Let us help you protect your future while you focus on recovery.