I was in a car accident and was seriously injured. I fractured my legs andarms and will need surgery. The accident was not my fault. I was told bymy insurance company that the other driver only has $15,000 in liabilitycoverage and that I can make a UIM claim under my own car insurancepolicy. What does that mean?

A: Let me explain some terms before answering the question.  First, the other driver's liability coverage is coverage that protects that driver if he or she causes an accident and injures someone. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) is coverage under your own insurance policy.  This coverage applies if the coverage on the person who causes your injuries is insufficient to adequately compensate you for your injuries. 

In your case, you are only able to recover $15,000 from the other driver's liability coverage despite your serious injuries.  The person who hit you does not have enough insurance to pay the full value of your claim for your injuries; therefore, they are underinsured.  Because you have UIM coverage, you can make a claim against your own insurer for money for your losses up to the full value of your claim, or up to the amount of UIM coverage you purchased.