When you get hurt by another driver, you can sue them and get their insurance policy to pay you for expenses. Some serious accidents, especially those involving multiple vehicles and passengers, can result in obscene medical costs and staggering amounts of property damage. Sometimes a driver’s liability coverage cannot pay you everything you need. That’s when you may need to turn to your own insurance coverage. A Snohomish County car accident lawyer from our firm can tell you more about how this would work.
Can I Make Two Insurance Claims If a Driver is Underinsured?
This is exactly what you should do. You can make a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Their liability coverage can then be paid out up to the maximum amount.
Then, if that’s not enough to cover your expenses, you can make a first-party claim with your own insurer. If you have uninsured/underinsured driver coverage, this would cover any gap in what you need compared to what the other driver’s policy was willing to pay.
Is Underinsured Driver Coverage Mandatory in WA?
Underinsured driver coverage is offered to anyone buying a car insurance policy in Washington. It is possible to opt out of it though. If you respond to the insurer in writing and ask to forego the coverage, it can be removed from your policy.
Obviously, we wouldn’t recommend this. This coverage isn’t just useful for underinsured drivers, but it also helps if a driver has no insurance or if one flees the scene of a crash.
What Kinds of Damages Can Underinsured Coverage Help With?
This type of coverage pays out for bodily injury and property damage. This means that it can help cover a wide range of expenses stemming from a car accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain from disability or disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Psychological trauma
- Any other pain and suffering you have experienced due to the accident
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
A lawyer can help you with either or both of the insurance claims you make. Insurers aren’t usually eager to give up money. They are likely to come back with a lowball offer that simply won’t cover all of your expenses.
If your insurer or the other driver’s insurer doesn’t seem eager to negotiate, we can step in. Our attorneys have plenty of experience dealing with these companies and standing up for the rights of accident victims. We will do our best to help you secure a fair compensation offer.
Meet With Our Legal Team
If you were seriously hurt in an accident and you’re not sure what to do next, contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and help you build a compelling case. Get ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
