UM disputes often stall for reasons that feel local and familiar:
- Seasonal traffic and unfamiliar drivers. In summer and during events, adjusters may question how the crash happened—especially if it involves a visitor vehicle or a driver who can’t be located.
- Pedestrian and bicycle impacts. Port Townsend’s pedestrian activity can create serious injuries, and insurers may scrutinize whether symptoms “match” the incident.
- Waterfront and downtown congestion. Low-speed impacts in crowded areas can still cause significant injury, but insurers may try to minimize the event.
- Evidence gaps. Smaller streets, limited camera coverage, and quickly overwritten footage can make early documentation critical.


