Different states have different ways of how auto accident claim lawsuits work and the limitations of car insurance claims. Often, the claimants need more information and proper awareness which otherwise causes delays in getting insurance coverage. 

In such situations, the not-at-fault person has to manage medical payments, hospital stays, and other property damages he faces. Therefore, a question arises in the mind of the plaintiffs as to what happens when a car accident claim exceeds the insurance limit.  Today, let’s discuss the possible conditions. 

Understanding Insurance Policy Limit

A car insurance policy limit refers to the amount the insurance company is liable to pay in case of an accident. The policy limit for bodily injuries and property damages varies from state to state and company to company. 

For example; in Rhode Island, the liability coverage includes; 

$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries

Similarly, the basic liability coverage in California includes;

$15,000/ $30,000 for bodily injuries

$5000 for property damage

$2000 for medical payments

$15,000/$30,000 for uninsured or underinsured motorist for bodily injury

$35,000 for uninsured motorist for property damage

On the other hand, the standard liability coverage in California includes;

$100,000/ $300,000 for bodily injuries

$50,000 for property damage

$5000 for medical payments

$30,000/$60,000 for uninsured or underinsured motorist for bodily injury

Similarly, in Georgia, the liability coverage includes;

$25,000 per person & $50,000 per incident for bodily injury

$25,000 per incidence for property damage liability

On the other hand, in Florida liability coverage includes

$10,000 for personal injury

$10,000 for property damage liability

Car Accident Claim Exceeds Insurance Limit – What’s Next?

There are several ways to get coverage if your car accident claim exceeds the insurance limit. First, you must have a car accident attorney who will guide you through all the legal pathways to get maximum insurance pay. 

Medical Bills Above Insurance Limit

Imagine you had an auto accident and personal injury and you might expect that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay off all the medical bills. However, if your medical bills exceed the insurance limit, you might have to pay the rest from your pocket. This happens when the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to compensate above the insurance limit. 

What is an At-fault and not-at-fault driver? 

The at-fault driver is the one whose wrongful or negligent behavior led to an accident. He is responsible for insurance pay and compensation for the victim’s personal injury or property damages.

The not-at-fault driver is the one who was neither directly, nor indirectly involved in the accident. Instead, he was the victim of two-party collisions. For example, you were in your car at the roadside and suddenly another driver hit yours from the back. In such a case, you will be the not-at-fault driver. 

The not-at-fault driver can sue the at-fault driver if his claim of the not-at-fault driver exceeds the insurance limit of the other driver. The at-fault driver will be obliged to pay the damages to the other driver per the lawsuit. 

It is important to have uninsured or underinsured motor coverage so that the not-at-fault driver can claim the other driver’s insurance company to pay for the rest of the money that exceeds the insurance limit. 

Accident Damage above Car Insurance

Policy Limit Exceeds! Who will pay the damage? If your insurance limit exceeds the car accident claims you will pay for property damage or personal injury. This might include medical payments, legal fees, lost wages, etc.

Benefits of Collision coverage & Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Collision coverage & Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage can help the plaintiffs when an accident claim exceeds the insurance limit regardless of who is at fault. 

If the other person has less insurance coverage, you can get paid for car repairs and other damages.  

In case you are involved in an accident whose driver has no or less insurance coverage, the uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage will help you get compensation for property damages, medical payments, and others. 

Role of a Car Accident Attorney When Accident Claim Exceeds Insurance Limit

The role of an expert accident attorney is of great significance when a car accident claim exceeds the insurance limit. Consult with a lawyer, and he will guide you in the best way possible to get maximum compensation.