AUTO INSURANCE ARTICLE

Getting Fair Coverage After an Accident Caused by Another Driver

By: mindif

When you have been involved in an accident in can be a frightening, confusing and scary experience. Having acceptable coverage makes this experience easier and less stressful.

If you are involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault, your insurance, as long as you have medical and liability insurance only pays for a small portion of the amount your should be entitled to from the accident. Your carrier will most likely cover:

The amount to repair your vehicle or total if beyond repair
A portion of your medical bills as long as you have medical coverage (your health insurance should cover the rest if necessary)

However, you are entitled to full coverage of your injuries as well as damages. This should be covered by the other drivers insurance up to their maximums as long as that driver has current insurance.

Medical Bills: The other driver’s insurance is required to pay 100 % of your medical expenses. Often times your insurance will pay this up front so that you get the care you need and they are required to reimburse you for this amount so that your carrier has not paid for this and it will not affect your policy. You may be entitled to additional monies up to and including your medical bills.
Lost Wages: You are entitled to be reimbursed for any time missed at work due to the accident itself along with your recovery period. Even if your employer continues to pay you or you use sick time you are still allowed to receive compensation for that time.
Out of Pocket Expenses: This is an item easily over looked by most people involved in an accident but you should be able to obtain compensation for things like: co-pays, rental cars, prescription costs, travel costs and other items you would not have paid for had the accident not occurred (within reason). These items should be submitted to the at fault driver’s insurance company along with receipts and documentation.
Pain & Suffering: This is something that is not easy to determine. Most times, depending on the extent of the accident an attorney can become involved in order to negotiate a fair amount for this and possibly other items.

Be smart when you have become involved in an accident when it is not your fault. Contact your insurance carrier at once and they will start the process for you. However, the carrier of the other driver should be taking responsibility for the majority of the claim and working with you and your carrier to find a fair settlement.