"What are the benefits and potential pitfalls I should know about filing an uninsured motorist bodily injury claim as an innocent victim of a hit-and-run accident?"

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is not required in all states, but it can provide crucial financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

The cost of adding uninsured motorist coverage is typically lower than the cost of increasing your bodily injury liability coverage by the same amount.

In states that follow comparative negligence laws, injured victims can still recover damages even if they are partially responsible for their injuries.

Modified comparative negligence rules, used in some states, allow recovery only if the plaintiff is not more than 50% at fault for their injuries.

Uninsured motorist laws and regulations vary by state, impacting settlements and compensation for victims of uninsured drivers.

Uninsured motorist coverage typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the policyholder, family members, and other covered individuals.

Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance coverage to cover the victim's injuries or property damage.

In states that require uninsured motorist coverage, insurance companies must offer a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, up to $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage insurance per accident.

Hit-and-run drivers are considered uninsured motorists under most uninsured motorist coverage policies.

Uninsured motorist coverage can also cover damages resulting from accidents caused by drivers under the influence or those who flee the scene of the accident.

Personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage are two types of auto insurance coverage that insurance agents and brokers are required to offer in Washington state.

Policyholders can typically reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing in states where it is not required, but it can be a valuable addition to an auto insurance policy.