What to Do When the Auto Accident Damages Are Greater than Insurance Policy Limits?
You can claim different damages if you suffer injuries during a car accident in the United States. For example, you may claim lost earnings, medical expenses, property damages, and pain and suffering. The total damages amount can be greater than the policy limits associated with a single insurance policy. Your car accident lawyer will analyze the driver’s insurance coverage to ascertain if other insurance policies may cover the costs associated with your case. They will also examine your own insurance policy and determine if it includes personal injury protection or underinsured motorist coverage. After a car crash and injuries, you can hold the other driver who caused the accident personally liable and file a lawsuit against them to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Although rare, you might also sue insurance companies directly if you prove they are acting in bad faith. A more common option is to hold a third party liable for your injuries. For example, if the negligent driver was operating a company vehicle for work, you can often seek financial compensation for your injuries from their employer under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. Identifying all possible parties that might share liability maximizes your opportunity for full compensation. Your car accident lawyer will determine all potentially liable parties in their investigation of the crash.