Your insurance will play a significant role if you are involved in a personal injury claim. But what do insurance companies do when settling claims?
Since we all run the risk of injury, it is likely that many of us will have to deal with one of these claims eventually. Learn more about the part insurance plays in personal injury claims below.
Personal Injury and Insurance Coverage
If you have become injured and are filing a personal injury claim, there are a couple of questions that need answers:
Q: Does the At-Fault Party Have Liability Insurance?
A: First, you need to look into whether the at-fault party has liability insurance that will cover your injury. For example, if you were in a car accident, does the car that hit you have car insurance? If you were injured on someone’s property because of a slip and fall, does the property owner have liability insurance covering accidents and injuries? Or, if you were bit by a dog, does the owner have homeowner’s insurance that will apply?
You may find that the offending party does not have insurance, or you are unsure who the other party was (hit-and-run situations). If this is the case, insurance can still be applied and play a part in your claim. Though, this means relying on your own insurance, which we will discuss more below.
Q: How Much Coverage is Applied in an Injury Claim?
A: The amount that is applied to an injury claim varies from situation to situation. Let’s take a more in-depth look with an example car crash situation where one party is obviously at fault, and the other one was injured. In this case, it is important to consider the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. Here are a couple of scenarios:
- If it was a low-impact accident and the injured party only suffered whiplash, the at-fault party’s insurance is likely to give a low offer to settle the case.
- If the other party is seriously injured and the at-fault driver’s liability coverage meets the state’s minimum limit, the case will likely settle quickly. However, if there is a considerable amount of liability coverage, settling the case can be tricky.
What to Do If You Need to Rely on Your Own Insurance
As previously mentioned, in some personal injury cases, you may need to rely on your own insurance. Since different policies will vary, it is important to understand what first-party coverage you have. Talk to your insurance provider for specifics.
Contact Bear River Mutual Insurance
Life is full of unexpected events and circumstances. Since we cannot know when these unforeseen situations will arise, it is essential to be well-insured, especially if you are dealing with a personal injury claim.
You can work with the insurance experts at Bear River Mutual Insurance to find an affordable plan that will protect you and your loved ones. We have locations in Salt Lake City, Provo, and Orem. Contact us for a quote today.
