How Does Auto Insurance Affect Personal Injury Cases? August 8, 2017

Dothan, Houston

In the state of Alabama, motorists are required to carry a certain amount of liability insurance. This includes at least $25,000 in bodily injury per individual, $50,000 in injury total per accident, and $25,000 in property damage. Unfortunately, despite these requirements, not everyone carries the mandatory minimum coverage, and as a result, issues regarding insurance often arise in personal injury claims involving motor vehicle collisions.

Alabama is considered a “fault” state when it comes to motor vehicle collisions, which means liability plays a role when determining who should cover the damages incurred in the accident. In general, accident victims can file a third-party claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance provider. What if the liable party does not have sufficient coverage for the damages, though?

Sadly, insufficient coverage is a

common problem in many personal injury claims. You can protect yourself financially in the event of a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist by purchasing uninsured motorist coverage from your own insurance provider.

Disputed liability is another common insurance issue following car accidents. If the other party’s insurance provider is refusing to acknowledge their client’s liability or will not offer you a fair settlement amount for the damages you incurred, a seasoned personal injury lawyer will be happy to negotiate with them on your behalf. Your attorney can also prevent you from making a recorded statement before determining the full extent of your injuries.

A third common insurance issue that accident victims often face is failing to notify the provider before the deadline has passed. Although you have two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury claim against the liable motorist, you may have a much shorter timeframe in which to report the accident to the insurance company.

 If you are facing an insurance dispute following a car or truck accident, turn to the legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan, AL. A personal injury attorney from their firm will assess your case and help you determine the best way to proceed. You can learn more about their areas of expertise by visiting our website or calling (334) 673-1800. You can also connect with the legal team on their Facebook page.