With insurance premiums on the rise due to increased car accidents it is more important than ever that you take the time to carefully examine your underinsured and uninsured policy limits.
Underinsured is broad in terminology as it comes into play only after the policy limit has been reached under the at fault parties’ carrier or in other words when the insured drivers’ damages exceed their claim.
For example, the at fault driver only has policy limits of $25,000.00 per person $75,000.00 per accident. The most, you can collect is $25,000.00 per person to a maximum of $75,000.00 per accident. Pretty straight forward, right? Well while it true that is all you may be able to collect from the at fault drivers insurance you may have a claim against your own insurance for underinsurance. Underinsurance works in the same way that liability insurance works in that it compensates for the same factors which include medical bills, loss wages and pain and suffering. This is why it’s so important to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before you settle your case. There are tools available to help calculate the value of your case to help you know if underinsurance is right for you however, it truly depends on the policy limits of the at fault driver. It must first be determined if their liability limits were enough when considering your damages that is your injuries, loss wages and pain and suffering.
If you think you qualify for underinsurance benefits from your own policy do not sign a release unless you have cleared it with your own insurance company to protect your rights to claim underinsured benefits. Your insurance will want to know if the person that is at fault has any personal assets available to him/her that can be used to cover your claim before they release any funds for underinsured or uninsured claims.
If you were involved in a car accident, don’t delay medical treatment seek care right away and consistently. Don’t just assume things will get better in time, you could have something serious going on such as internal bleeding or other sensitive injuries that will only get worse with delayed treatment. Unlike other states, in Missouri there’s no such thing as personal injury protection. If medical bills are stopping, you from getting treatment give us a call so we can determine what your best next step is.
Jace Kentner regularly writes and speaks on various legal topics including estate planning, probate and elder law. He formed Kentner Law LLC, in 2001. He has two Missouri offices: 107 W 9th st 2nd floor-#0449 Kansas City MO. 64105 and
4625 Lindell Blvd 2nd Floor-#2373 St. Louis, Mo 63108
Mr. Kentner earned his juris doctorate degree from Drake University School of Law in 1996 where he graduated Phi Alpha Delta. While at Drake Mr. Kentner also served as Editor for Drakes Law journal. After law School Mr. Kentner went on an obtained his Masters in Health Services Administration. During undergrad Mr. Kentner attended Missouri State University where he also graduated with honors. You may find him at www.Kentnerlaw.com or (573) 708-7870 or on Facebook or LinkedIn
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