Opinion ID: 1723196
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: settlement of the uninsured motorist claim

Text: Three different insurance policies provided uninsured motorist coverage for the injuries and losses sustained by Lisa Webb and the Webb estate. Ms. Webb, in her dual capacity, settled uninsured motorist claims against all three insurance carriers. She, and her counsel, executed a release with Globe and Motorist. Aetna did not request a release. The appellants, Webb and Wine, argue that we should adopt the made whole rule which provides that an insurance company's right of subrogation does not arise until the injured party is fully compensated for the injuries sustained. The appellee insurance companies argue that the doctrine of subrogation from which the made whole rule arose is an equitable doctrine which can be modified by contract. They contend that in the instant case their insurance contracts and settlement releases preclude the application of the made whole rule and afford their claims a higher priority than those of the estate and Lisa Webb. In determining the rights of an uninsured motorist carrier in obtaining reimbursement of the benefits it has paid an injured person we must look to: (1) the common law doctrine of subrogation; (2) pertinent statutory law; and (3) the contractual obligations of the parties.