Your Worst Nightmare: Accident Damages Exceed Policy Payout Limits
If you are ever in a car accident and you are not at fault, you would likely expect the other driver's insurance company to cover the cost of your damages and injuries. In an ideal case, this happens without any issue. However, problems can arise when insurance companies make unfair settlement offers.
Sometimes the accident claim may exceed the policy limits. The insurance company may refuse to pay past the limit. This can be an overwhelming experience for the victim who is left with remaining bills. Sometimes future bills may also be expected. The following points will help you to understand what you can do if you ever find yourself in this type of situation.
File a Civil Suit
This option would allow you to pursue the at-fault driver to pay the remainder of your damages. This is not always a wise idea because the driver may not have the resources to pay even if you win the civil lawsuit. This means that you will likely never recoup the payment.
File a Suit Against Other Parties
You may be involved in an accident that involves multiple vehicles. There is an option to sue the insurance companies of all vehicles involved. You may end up getting partial settlements from each insurance company due to shared fault. If the at-fault party was driving a company-owned vehicle, you have the option to sue their employer under the theory that the employer is responsible for the employee's negligent driving behavior. The employer will likely have more resources available in a civil suit than their employee.
Umbrella Policies
You will likely need a lawyer to help you find out if an umbrella policy exists. It is a policy that pays for damages that exceed the original policy. Insurance companies are not always forthcoming in telling injured parties that these second-layer policies exist.
A car accident lawyer is a good resource to use to learn about more options you may have. Do not miss doctor's appointments because of fears regarding repayment. You also need to avoid speaking with the other driver's insurance company.
Some lawyers advise their clients not to speak with anyone about the case or their injuries. This is particularly important if you have intentions of filing a lawsuit for additional compensation. These lawsuits are complicated in nature. This is why it is wise to include a car accident lawyer in your collection efforts. They will know the statutes in your jurisdiction and how to deal with insurance companies.