If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Puget Sound region, Walton Law offers free and confidential consultations. Learn more at waltonlawapc.com.

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Puget Sound region, Walton Law offers free and confidential consultations. Learn more at waltonlawapc.com.

Are you covered? Many Washington motorists are underinsured

Learn the #1 piece of advice this Snohomish County lawyer gives Washington drivers

A startling number of Washington motorists are uninsured or underinsured, and that means many insured drivers may be less protected than they think.

Uninsured motorist insurance protects you if you have losses caused by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance or doesn’t have the appropriate level of coverage. It’s not expensive, and it can make a dramatic difference if you’re ever involved in a car accident.

“Please make sure you’re carrying uninsured motorist insurance. It’s the number one piece of advice I give, and I give it to anyone who drives. I’ve seen the consequences for my clients over the years — the outcomes are always better when clients have uninsured motorist insurance,” says Chris Walton, founder of Walton Law in Snohomish County.

Approximately 20 percent of Washington motorists don’t have insurance

The risk of being involved in a vehicle accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is higher than you might think.

  • The minimum amount of motor insurance required in Washington is very low. Many motorists in Washington are under insured, with only $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury and a maximum of $50,000 in bodily injury per incident. “If four people are travelling in the same car and they’re rear-ended by a driver, that’s considered a single incident. If the driver at-fault only has minimum coverage, there would be only $50,000 available for all four people injured,” Walton says. Motor insurance minimums only include $10,000 in property damage as well.
  • An estimated 21.7 percent of drivers have no insurance at all. According to a 2021 study by the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 21.7 percent of Washington drivers are uninsured, the fifth highest in the country.

“When you combine the number of drivers with the minimum and those who are uninsured, that’s really scary. It comes into play in many of the personal injury cases at Walton Law,” Walton says.

Chris Walton, founder and managing partner of Walton Law.

Chris Walton, founder and managing partner of Walton Law.

Protect yourself — the solution is simple

When you opt-in to uninsured motorist insurance, you’ll be covered if you’re hit by a motorist with no insurance, or a motorist who’s not carrying enough insurance.

“This insurance also covers you if you’re a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, if you’re a passenger in another person’s car, if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run or hit by a phantom vehicle,” Walton says.

Without uninsured motorist insurance you may be in a very difficult financial situation, with very little hope of recovering those losses from the driver at fault.

“Every policy has different restrictions, so it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer to understand your rights,” Walton says.

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Puget Sound region, Walton Law offers free and confidential consultations. Learn more at waltonlawapc.com.

The news and editorial staff of Sound Publishing, Inc. had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this sponsored post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Sound Publishing, Inc.

Sound Publishing, Inc. does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products, nor do we endorse any products posted in our Marketplace.

More in Local Marketplace

Across their six vibrant senior living communities in the Puget Sound region, the GenCare team is flipping the script on aging. Courtesy GenCare
Live Fully. Age Fearlessly

What if aging wasn’t the end of the adventure for Puget Sound seniors – but the beginning?

m
Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing—What It Means for Everett Residents

Comcast, Western Washington’s largest internet service provider, is rolling out a new… Continue reading

YMCA Early Learning takes a whole-child, whole-family approach, using a research-based curriculum.
New YMCA Early Learning Center coming to Marysville

Registration is open now for the YMCA of Snohomish County’s new center, opening in September

On June 3 Verdant Health Commission will celebrate the renaming of its Krueger Clinic building to the Langer Building in honor of former Verdant Commissioner Fred Langer. Courtesy Verdant Health Commission
Verdant Health Commission to host renaming celebration for the Langer Medical Building

In the summer of 2024, Verdant Health Commission started a $9-million interior… Continue reading

Practicing mindfulness has shown to reduce stress. Photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.
Everett Medical Center embraces Mental Health Awareness month this May

Integrating mindfulness into daily routines can support better mental health

“Everyone who believes in connection and growth is welcome,” says co-founder Wally Webster, President of The Access Project. Photo courtesy AALPN.
From lunch to legacy: The network redefining community for local leaders and professionals

AALPN: No dues, no pressure - just powerful conversations and a whole lot of purpose

“Our job is nothing short of helping kids have the best week of their life – to help them build memories to last a lifetime,” says Jeremy Gregersen, executive director of Camp Fire Snohomish County. Photo courtesy of Camp Fire.
Unplugging to reconnect: Camp Killoqua offers youth a screen-free summer of discovery

Camp Fire Snohomish County in Stanwood pairs outdoor adventure with personal growth

m
Xfinity Mobile Introduces New Premium Unlimited Plan with Enhanced Features

Xfinity Mobile has launched a new Premium Unlimited plan, offering gigabit speeds… Continue reading

While medication is key for many, Jonas emphasizes that daily routines also play a big role in managing allergy symptoms.Photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.
Breathe easier this spring: Everett physician shares tips for allergy season

April is Seasonal Allergy Awareness Month - know how to protect yourself before symptoms start

“Celebrating Pride is about making sure people who may not always feel seen know that they belong here,” says Amanda Munro, chair of the Snohomish Pride Committee. Photo courtesy of Historic Dowtown Snohomish.
Snohomish Pride builds community through celebration and inclusion

Weekend-long event spotlights queer artists, local makers, and a town-wide commitment to diversity

Dr. Gordon S. Nishimoto and Dr. Trevor Gatenby, from Proliance Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists, provide comprehensive treatment for a wide range of conditions, including bunions, heel pain, arthritis, sports injuries and more.
Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists joins Proliance Surgeons

Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists has officially joined Proliance Surgeons, adopting the… Continue reading

Zach Jackson, CEO of Snohomish Health & Rehabilitation of Cascadia. Courtesy of Snohomish Health & Rehabilitation.
Snohomish rehab center launches specialized wound care program

Rehabilitation team augments recovery spaces with new program

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.