In the state of Washington, accident victims have the right to receive compensation for the damages they suffer. However, a common issue arises when the costs of their injuries exceed the insurance coverage of the responsible party. In such cases, it is crucial to understand the legal options available to obtain the fair compensation you deserve.
Limits of the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Policy
State laws require drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage limits. However, when a severe injury results in high medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages, the available coverage may not be sufficient to cover all your needs.
Legal Alternatives for Additional Compensation
If the at-fault party’s coverage is insufficient, you may explore several options to secure proper compensation:
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If your own insurance policy includes this coverage, it may help bridge the gap between your injury costs and the at-fault party’s policy limits.
- Claims Against Multiple Parties: In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for the accident. For example, if the incident occurred due to a roadway defect or mechanical failure, other entities could share liability.
- Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Party: If insurance coverage is inadequate, you may file a lawsuit directly against the responsible party. However, it is important to assess the feasibility of recovering funds, as the defendant must have sufficient assets to cover the compensation.
The Importance of Legal Representation
When injuries exceed the available coverage, having an attorney specializing in personal injury cases can make a significant difference. An experienced lawyer will analyze your case, identify all possible sources of compensation, and fight to protect your rights.
At our law firm in Renton, WA, we understand the complexity of these cases and are committed to providing you with the legal guidance you need. If you are facing this situation, do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.