Opinion ID: 2361094
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Application of General Principles to the Instant Case

Text: The starting point for our analysis is the policy language. In a section entitled Uninsured Motorists Coverage  Delaware, the policy states: A. We will pay damages which an insured is legally entitled to recover from the owner or operator of an: 1. Uninsured motor vehicle ... because of bodily injury: a. Sustained by an insured; and b. Caused by an accident. The policy then defines insured: B. Insured as used in this endorsement means: 1. You or any family member. 2. Any other person occupying your covered auto. 3. Any person for damages that person is entitled to recover because of bodily injury to which this coverage applies sustained by a person described in 1. or 2. above. Under the plain language of the contract, Hartford agreed to pay all damages that an insured is legally entitled to recover from the owner or operator of an uninsured vehicle because of bodily injury sustained by an insured. We note that, in drafting the provision, Hartford repeatedly used the indefinite article an instead of the or the same or such or other language that would have limited the insureds who are eligible to recover UM benefits to those who had sustained bodily injury. We find that Hartford's UM/UIM provision does not restrict payment to those who have suffered bodily injury. Under the language of Mrs. Emmons' policy, both the decedent and the plaintiff are insureds who are legally entitled to recover damages from an uninsured motorist because of bodily injury sustained by an insured. Decedent's estate is legally entitled to recover damages through the operation of Delaware's survival statute. Mrs. Emmons is legally entitled to recover damages through the operation of the Wrongful Death Act.