When a car accident happens, it’s often unexpected and traumatic for those involved, particularly if there are injuries. For the victim, their stress can be compounded when the person who caused the accident is not insured. If your injury is serious and requires expensive medical care, you may have legal recourse to recover your damages. An attorney, like a car accident lawyer Des Moines IA trusts, from our firm may be able to help you.
Insurance Companies
Though you may have an underinsured/uninsured rider as part of your insurance coverage, it may not be as easy to recover your damages as the insurance company advertises. In fact, your own insurance company may accuse you of being the at-fault driver in the accident and deny your claim. This may leave you feeling as if you have no options and must pay for your medical bills out of your own pocket. Contact our firm at [phone number] and request a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers who can review your case and provide guidance. Because each case is unique, we may be able to provide a solution that you’re not aware of as a possibility.
Determining Liability
If the reason your insurance company denied your uninsured driver claim is because they believe you were at fault, they may tell you that if they cover your damages under your regular policy your rates will increase. Or, if your medical bills and other accident costs exceed the cap on your policy, you may be left with having to drain your savings or even sell your home. However, if your car accident lawyer can prove that you were not at fault, the insurance company will be obligated to pay your costs. If they continue to refuse, our attorneys at [firm name] will be prepared to take them to court. Very often, this will create sufficient incentive to bring the insurance company to the negotiating table. A car accident attorney from our firm will then make every effort to negotiate the maximum possible settlement amount on your behalf. If we do not recover a settlement, you will not have to pay for our services.
Pursuit of Assets
Another option to recover your accident damages is to pursue the assets of the person who caused your accident. In some cases, a person may not have car insurance, or enough coverage to pay damages, but their personal assets meet or exceed the full amount. As an officer of the court, your car accident lawyer can legally pursue these assets and even petition the court to liquidate them on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages
In addition to compensating you for your medical bills, the at-fault party is also responsible for your related costs. Depending on your circumstances, these may include follow up treatments, medications, medical equipment such as crutches rental, home healthcare aides, and much more. Talk to one of our car accident lawyers today to find out how we may be able to help you, even if the other driver does not have car insurance.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Johnston Martineau PLLP for their insight into car accident cases.