Uninsured Motorist Claims In Indianapolis, IN
Last updated on November 5, 2025
If you are injured by a driver who has no insurance, you may be able to make an uninsured claim with the help of a knowledgeable Indianapolis personal injury lawyer at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP. Uninsured motorist coverage claims cover injuries that result from an accident with a driver who has no liability coverage. To adequately protect yourself against an uninsured motorist, it can be crucial to reach out to qualified legal representation that can go the distance to protect your rights.
Don’t Pay For Someone Else’s Misconduct
Indiana law requires drivers to carry automobile insurance. Automobile insurance can protect a driver in the event of an accident and can provide the financial means to recover property damages or physical injury. Even though insurance is mandatory for all drivers, not all drivers are insured, and unfortunately, there is no way to enforce the law proactively. It isn’t until you are actually involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist that the reality of the situation is realized. When that stressful situation occurs, Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP is ready to help.
How These Accidents Get Expensive – Fast
Even if you did not cause the accident, you will remain liable for the entire financial cost of the accident. If an uninsured motorist causes your accident, you could pay for expenses such as:
- Hospital care
- Ambulance transportation costs
- Prescription medication
- Follow-up treatment
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Property damage, repair or replacement
- Lost wages due to time off from work
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs
We are here to reassure you that there are options for you to take to protect yourself. The best way to avoid the financial burden of an uninsured motorist claim is to increase your insurance coverage. By having maximum insurance coverage, you can remain protected in the event that an uninsured or underinsured motorist does hit you.
Key Requirements for an Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claim in Indiana
Indiana law (IC 27-7-5) treats UM claims as a direct contract between you and your own insurer. You must show:
- No Liability Coverage Exists: The at-fault driver has zero insurance, or the crash qualifies as hit-and-run with an unidentified vehicle.
- Your Policy Includes UM Protection: You did not sign a written rejection when you bought or renewed the policy.
- You Have Verifiable Losses: Injuries, wage loss, or property damage stem from the crash.
We pull the at-fault driver’s SR-22 status (or lack thereof) and match it to your declarations page. Call us for a no-cost coverage check.
Everyday Situations That May Activate UM Coverage
UM steps in when the person who hit you carries nothing. Typical triggers include:
- Phantom Drivers: Someone strikes you and speeds away; no tag, no name, no policy.
- Policy-Lapsed Motorists: A driver lets coverage expire days before rear-ending you at a red light.
- Borrowed or Stolen Vehicles: The car that T-boned you belongs to a friend with no insurance, or it was reported stolen.
- Out-of-State Uninsured Drivers: A visitor from a no-fault state causes a wreck but has no Indiana-compliant policy.
- Uninsured Delivery or Rideshare Drivers: Personal policies often exclude commercial use, leaving you exposed.
Compensation Available Through UM Coverage
Your UM limit becomes the “substitute” for the missing liability policy. Indiana imposes no recovery ceiling.
Tangible Losses
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and home modifications
- Paychecks missed now and earning power lost later
- Totaled vehicle value or repair invoices
Intangible Losses
- Chronic pain and reduced mobility
- Anxiety, sleep loss, or family strain
- Permanent scars or limb function
Death Benefits
- Final medical expenses
- Burial costs
- Future income the decedent would have provided
Immediate Action Plan After an Uninsured Crash
Preserve your UM payout with these six moves:
- Secure the Scene: Stay put, turn on hazards, and dial 911.
- Create a Visual Record — Photograph all angles, debris patterns, and bruises.
- Collect Bystander Details — Names and phones of anyone who witnessed the uninsured driver.
- File with Your Carrier Fast — Most policies demand notice within 24–72 hours.
- Get Checked Out — ER or urgent care records anchor your injury claim.
- Let Us Handle the Insurer — We block lowball tactics and protect your policy rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Q: Does UM pay if the other driver lies about having insurance?
A: Yes—once the lie is exposed, your UM carrier steps in.
Q: What if I only bought state-minimum UM limits?
A: You are capped at that amount, even if damages are higher. We help you understand upgrade options.
Q: Will my UM claim affect my driving record?
A: Never. You are the injured party.
Q: Can passengers in my car use my UM coverage?
A: Absolutely—every occupant is a potential beneficiary.
Q: Is UM different for classic cars or motorcycles?
A: Coverage follows the policy wording; we decode it for you.
Q: What if the uninsured driver offers to pay cash?
A: Get it in writing and call us first. Private deals rarely cover future medical surprises.
Q: How soon must I demand payment from my own insurer?
A: Policy language varies; some require a formal demand letter within one year.
Q: Does UM cover rental cars?
A: Only if you extended UM to the rental agreement.
Our Car Accident Attorney In Indiana Can Protect Your Rights
If the person who caused your accident has no insurance, we can help protect your rights. If you need assistance handling your claim or determining if insurance coverage is available, we can help with that too. In addition to handling these claims, we also represent the needs of accident victims and their families in cases where an underinsured motorist claim is necessary.
At Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP, we have secured million-dollar settlements for some of our past clients involved in personal injury and car accidents throughout Indiana. We make it a priority to thoroughly prepare your case from the outset, and our aggressive approach in court has helped past clients obtain satisfactory settlements and verdicts.
You can contact us through our contact form or by phone at 317-505-1342. Our phone lines are always open, so it’s easy to set up a free consultation with us.