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When Insurance Falls Short: How a Car Accident Attorney Helps

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When Insurance Falls Short: How a Car Accident Attorney Helps

Car accidents are often unexpected, stressful, and financially draining. While car insurance is supposed to provide a safety net, it doesn’t always cover the full extent of damages. This gap is particularly evident in cases involving underinsured drivers. A car accident attorney can help navigate these complex situations, especially in underinsured car accidents involving drivers whose policies fall short of adequately compensating victims for their losses.

When insurance isn’t enough, a car accident attorney can play a critical role in securing the compensation victims deserve. Let’s explore the reality of underinsured car accidents and discover how an accident attorney can help.

What You Should Know About Underinsured Car Accidents

In a perfect world, every driver would have comprehensive car insurance coverage to handle any accident scenario. However, about one in seven drivers in the United States is uninsured, according to a 2023 report from the Insurance Research Council.

Even more concerning is that many insured drivers carry only the minimum required coverage. These policies often fall short of covering the damage caused by a serious accident. If you are in an accident with an underinsured driver with liability coverage capped at $25,000, you could face a significant financial shortfall if your medical bills and vehicle repair costs are higher.

This gap is where a car accident attorney steps in to help you explore additional avenues for compensation. Curious about your options? Contact Herren Adams accident attorneys to schedule a consultation.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A skilled car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the evidence in your case to identify all potential sources of compensation. Beyond the at-fault driver’s insurance, accident attorneys may explore the following options:

  • Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
  • Third-party liability

Many insurance policies include UM/UIM coverage, which can help bridge the gap in underinsured car accidents. However, additional parties may be held responsible if a defective vehicle part or hazardous road condition contributed to it.

Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is often to pay as little as possible. Fortunately, accident attorneys are experienced negotiators who understand the tactics insurers use to undervalue claims. They can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical coverage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Filing a Lawsuit After a Car Accident

When negotiations fail, your accident attorney can escalate the case by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or other liable parties. This crucial step demonstrates your seriousness in receiving just compensation. A car accident attorney can also help encourage a fair settlement before the case goes to trial.

While medical bills are a significant expense after a car accident, they are not the only cost to consider. Property damage, lost income, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life are all viable claims. Therefore, securing compensation and underinsured car accident cases requires a robust and well-documented approach.

Attempting to navigate the aftermath of a car accident without legal counsel can be overwhelming, especially when insurance coverage is insufficient. An experienced accident attorney understands the complexities of underinsured car accidents and can handle the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery.

Takeaway

Car accident attorneys can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting a low settlement offer without understanding its implications, missing critical deadlines, or failing to account for long-term costs. If you have been involved in an underinsured car accident, don’t let the financial stress compound the physical and emotional toll.

Reach out to a trusted car accident attorney at Herren Adams today. We can review your case, explain your options, and guide you toward a resolution that addresses your needs and rights.