Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims
omaha nebraska
uninsured & underinsured motorist attorneys
When the At-Fault Driver Cannot Pay, Your Own Policy Steps In.
Most Nebraska drivers carry the state minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person. That number was set decades ago and rarely covers a serious crash: an emergency room visit, surgery, weeks of physical therapy, and lost wages can exceed it within days. When the at-fault driver has no insurance, fled the scene, or carries a policy too small to cover your damages, your own uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is what protects you.
Most people are surprised to learn that their own auto policy can pay for injuries they suffered when someone else caused the crash. UM and UIM coverage was designed for exactly this situation. It also typically covers you as a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or a passenger in someone else's vehicle.
For the 75+ years of our attorneys' combined experience and more than 100 jury trials, Rensch & Rensch Law has helped injured Nebraskans collect from every available policy.
What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pays For
UM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver:
- Has no insurance at all. An estimated one in eight U.S. drivers is uninsured.
- Fled the scene. Hit-and-run crashes are treated as uninsured-motorist claims when the driver cannot be identified.
- Was driving a stolen vehicle or was excluded from the owner's policy.
Your insurance company effectively stands in for the at-fault driver and pays your damages up to the limits of your UM coverage.
What Underinsured Motorist Coverage Pays For
UIM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver carries insurance but the policy limit is not enough to cover your losses. To make a UIM claim:
- You first collect the full amount of the at-fault driver's liability policy.
- If your damages exceed that limit, your UIM coverage pays the difference, up to your own policy limit.
UIM coverage premiums are usually a fraction of the cost of primary liability coverage. We recommend Nebraska drivers carry at least the same UIM limit as their own liability limit (for example, if you carry $100,000 in liability, carry at least $100,000 in UIM).
Why Your Own Insurer Will Push Back
When you make a UM or UIM claim, your insurance company is no longer on your side: it is the entity that owes you money. Adjusters routinely:
- Argue your injuries are minor or pre-existing.
- Demand recorded statements that can be used against you later.
- Offer a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Try to deny coverage on technicalities (late notice, failure to cooperate, household-member exclusions).
Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to your own insurer.
Don't Settle With the At-Fault Driver Until You Talk to Us
One of the most common ways injured Nebraskans lose UIM coverage is settling the third-party claim too quickly. Many policies require your insurer's consent before you sign a release with the at-fault driver. If you sign first, your UIM carrier may deny the claim entirely. We coordinate the third-party settlement and the UIM claim so the two pieces fit together.
Stacking Coverage
If you carry multiple vehicles or multiple policies, you may be able to stack the UM/UIM limits across them, depending on the language of the policy and Nebraska law. Stacking can multiply your available coverage. We review every policy in the household when we evaluate the case.
Protect Your Rights
Call Rensch & Rensch Law at 402.498.4400
If you were hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium for your spouse and family
Our legal services are built around your convenience, including the contingency fee basis for our work. You owe no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Contact Rensch & Rensch Law
Before you talk to your insurance adjuster about a UM or UIM claim, talk to us. Contact our skilled Omaha uninsured-motorist attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Call: 402.498.4400. We respond promptly to e-mails and overnight messages at any hour, day or night, seven days a week. You can also fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions: Omaha UM and UIM Claims
How much does it cost to hire Rensch & Rensch Law?
There is no up-front cost. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. You owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free, whether by phone, video, or in person at our Omaha or Columbus offices.
Do I have UM and UIM coverage on my Nebraska policy?
Probably yes. Nebraska law requires every auto liability policy to offer UM and UIM coverage; you can decline it only by signing a written rejection. If you cannot find proof of rejection in your policy file, the coverage is generally presumed to apply at the same limit as your liability coverage. Bring your full policy (declarations page plus all endorsements) to your free consultation and we will tell you what is available.
Can I make a UM claim after a hit-and-run?
Yes. Hit-and-run crashes where the driver cannot be identified are treated as uninsured-motorist claims under most Nebraska policies. Reporting requirements are strict, however: the crash typically must be reported to police within 24 hours and to your own insurer promptly. Photographs of the scene, debris, paint transfer, and any partial plate or vehicle description help.
The other driver's insurance is offering policy limits. Can I still pursue a UIM claim?
Often yes, but do not sign a release until your own UIM carrier has been notified and given an opportunity to consent or to substitute its own payment. Many UIM policies require this step, and signing too early can void the UIM claim entirely. We coordinate both pieces so you do not lose coverage by accident.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a UM or UIM claim?
Nebraska law generally prohibits insurers from raising your rates because you made a not-at-fault claim, including a UM or UIM claim. If your insurer surcharges your policy after a UM/UIM claim, that may itself be a legal violation. Bring any rate-change notices to your consultation.
Can my UM/UIM cover me if I was a pedestrian or on a bicycle?
Yes, in most cases. Nebraska UM and UIM coverage typically follows the policyholder, not just the vehicle. If you were walking, biking, or riding as a passenger and an uninsured or underinsured driver hurt you, your own auto UM/UIM may be available. We review every policy in the household when we evaluate the claim.
What clients say
60+ 5-star Google reviews
Worked with Chase primarily on my case but had Nate helping out too. Very kind people and very patient, don’t be afraid to ask them questions… i asked a million and more and always got a good response.
I worked with Chase for a car accident. He got me a really good amount for my settlement. He walked me through everything step-by-step. Definitely recommend Chase and his team for any Accidents :)
I've dealt with numerous lawyers in my life. I have referred people to lawyers I thought would do a good job. It seems like every time my friends/colleagues would report back that they had a negative experience. I started to wonder if I am just a bad judge of character, especially with regards to lawyers. That was until I met Sean and Dick Rensch. Personal injury law is way more complicated than I ever thought. These guys are pros and I feel lucky to have found them. Thanks for the chance to leave this review.
My mom was hit by a car and we were overwhelmed. Sean Rensch put us at ease immediately. He handled all medical bills, insurance, and secured a fair settlement so we could focus on her recovery. Professional, compassionate, and highly effective. Highly recommend Sean Rensch of Rensch and Rensch. Thank you, Sean!
I would highly recommend Chase Murphy if you have been in an accident. He is very kind and caring and will get you the best result from the insurance carriers involved.
So glad to give this review. I’ve been around lawyers my entire career videotaping depositions in Nebraska. When I got into a car crash recently, I did not hesitate to contact Rensch & Rensch Law. I’ve seen Dick and Sean in trial and in many depositions. This is the best injury firm in Nebraska. My case ended up being handled primarily by Rensch & Rensch attorney, Mitch Kohl (who I learned is a doctor and a lawyer!!!). Dr. Kohl did an excellent job for me. Clearly he fits in well with Sean and Dick. I need to thank them all, including paralegal Carley Adams. I’m so happy with how this case turned out. Thanks. John MacKnight
Sean Rensch, Nate and his team were so helpful, professional, always answered my phone calls or texts and always calmed me down when I was getting frustrated with how Workman's Comp was treating me. Sean and Nate told me from the beginning that it would be a LONG Process and it was, But they made it go smoothly and kept reassuring me that everything was going as they planned. It is in the pasted now, we Won my case and now I feel that I have made Life long Friends with Sean and Nate.
I was very pleased with the experience of working with Chase and Nate on my case, they were thorough, caring, and did everything they could to get the best outcome. I am very happy with how everything turned out! If you want to work with a lawyer who is truly caring about YOU and not just doing a job, please go see them. ALL of them at Rensch and Rensch are amazing and you won’t be disappointed!
I can’t thank this legal team enough for their incredible support. They communicated with me clearly and consistently throughout the entire process, making a difficult situation much easier to navigate. Chase and Nate truly went above and beyond checking in on how I was doing after the incident and even celebrating the small wins along the way. They were professional and compassionate. I’m so thankful for their help and highly recommend this team to anyone in need of legal representation.
I am so thankful to have found this law office on the internet! I had a few car accidents and even though this was a horrible experience to be in, Sean made this process and painless as possible. Thank you for all your help and support I will forever be thankful!
These guys were the upmost professional when I hired them. Were 100 percent of the time. Answered questions if I had them let me know how things were going. Gave me advice. Told me things might take long. It did and they were always there. I would hire them agian in a heartbeat.
I lost count on how many times I’ve recommended this team to people. They really know how to treat you like family; I don’t think any other firm would fight tooth and nail for my wife and I quite like Chase did. Eternally grateful for Rensch & Rensch Law.
I was injured in a car accident. A close family friend referred me to Rensch & Rensch. I am grateful to have had such a knowledgeable and empathetic team on my side. Nate, Chase, and Sean really went above and beyond showing up for my case. They made sure I understood every step and decision. I could not recommend them more.
I would recommend R&R a million times over if I could. Chase was so kind and patient with us, and he showed my wife and I nothing but compassion. He treated us like people, not just a case number or a paycheck. If you’re looking for a lawyer who actually cares about what they’re doing and want nothing but the best for their clients, this is absolutely the place to go. Thank you for everything Chase.
Results That Matter
Every case is unique and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but the firm’s track record shows what is possible when the facts support full recovery.
- $6 Million+ Complex Federal Court Claim Settlement during litigation of a complex personal injury claim in United States District Court.
- $3.5 Million Wrongful Death Confidential settlement for a newly-married widow in a difficult wrongful-death case against a national-company defendant with extensive defense resources.
- $3.18 Million Complex Negligence Settlement of a complex negligence claim just before trial.
Rensch & Rensch injury law
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