Sometimes the driver who caused your accident has insurance.
But the insurance is not enough to cover your injuries.
This is where underinsured motorist coverage can become important.
When Is a Driver Underinsured?
Imagine that you suffer catastrophic injuries in a crash.
Your medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, and other losses total far more than the at-fault driver’s liability policy limits.
The driver technically has insurance.
But the available coverage may not be enough.
Your own underinsured motorist coverage may provide an additional source of recovery depending on your policy and the circumstances.
Serious Injuries Can Exceed Policy Limits
This is particularly important in cases involving:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Permanent disability
- Amputation
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Wrongful death
A modest liability policy may disappear quickly when medical bills are significant.
Review the Insurance Policies
Do not assume that the other driver’s policy is the only coverage involved.
Your household may have insurance coverage that applies to the accident.
A careful review of the policies can reveal options that an injured person may not realize are available.
Mississippi law specifically provides for uninsured motorist coverage in automobile policies, subject to statutory requirements and policy terms.
Do Not Treat Your Insurance Company Like an Automatic Ally
Your insurer may be the company that issued your policy, but an underinsured motorist claim still needs to be properly supported.
The insurer will evaluate the value of the claim and the available coverage.
Get Help Before Signing Away Your Rights
An insurance settlement may include releases that affect future claims.
Before accepting an offer in a serious injury case, make sure you understand the full extent of your damages and what claims you may be releasing.
Timbs Injury Law handles motorist claims for injured people in Jackson and throughout Mississippi and can help investigate available insurance coverage.