
The amount and type of insurance you have will greatly affect a personal injury claim.
Why is Insurance Important in Personal Injury Claims?
When you’re injured in an accident, you probably wonder what medical expenses are meant to pay and the difference between them and what a personal injury claim is meant to pay.
Insurance is your protection against unanticipated incidents that may result in expensive bills. It is a trampoline that prevents your pocket from hitting rock bottom when an emergency calls. But, when you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a personal injury claim is meant to help you recover medical and other expenses related to the accident from the responsible party’s insurance, not your own.
This blog contains information you need to know about insurance and personal injury claims, how the two correlate, and why having insurance is essential.
How Does Personal Injury Claim Work?
If you get into an accident and believe it’s other people’s fault, you can secure evidence like photographs of the accident scene and your medical records. Afterward, file a personal injury claim so the negligent party’s insurance company will compensate your expenses, such as:
- Medical Bills,
- Missed Work,
- Pain and Suffering,
- And Property Damage.
You can file a personal injury without the help of a lawyer. But, in cases where your injuries are extreme or insurance is denying your claim, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney. People who hire a personal injury attorney get 3.5x more on average than someone who represents themselves.
Common Types of Insurance in Personal Injury Claims
There are several types of insurance that cover different kinds of accidents. The common types involved in personal injury claims include:
- Auto Insurance—This insurance is used when a car accident happens. It covers damages to property and the human body, and medical payments are usually compensated.
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) — This type of insurance protects businesses against expenses for any damage inside their premises. It also covers product liability compensation.
- Health Insurance—This type of insurance covers the medical expenses of a member who has been in an unexpected accident and has suffered bodily injuries.
In Texas, having insurance isn’t only about its benefits. Drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of auto insurance, and some companies are required to carry insurance to cover accidental injuries.
Why is Insurance Important, and How Does it Affect Personal Injury Claims?
Insurance is a practical act as it will lessen your burden if uncertainties occur and damages are present. Whether it is someone else’s fault or yours, your insurance company will help you with your unforeseen expenses post-accident.
Many people wonder if they should use their insurance to cover immediate medical expenses if they’re going to file a claim.
There is nothing wrong with using your insurance to avoid medical debt after an accident that wasn’t your fault. After reporting the accident to your insurance company, they will investigate and discover that the accident wasn’t your fault, and they will want compensation from the responsible party. In that case, a personal injury claim will go to reimbursing your insurance and covering whatever leftover costs you suffered (like missed work, lost benefits, and pain and suffering damages).
What If The Responsible Party Has No Insurance?
If the person who negligently caused your injury has no insurance, then coverage for your accident will come from your own insurance policy, provided you have the right coverage. For example, if you’re hit by a drunk driver, the drunk driver’s insurance may refuse to cover the accident since insurance is typically void if the insured is doing something illegal. In that case, if you have UM/UIM coverage, it will likely be your only recourse for compensation.
Filing a personal injury claim and receiving the necessary compensation for the damages can be very complex. A personal injury attorney can use their extensive legal knowledge and resources to negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you get the full compensation you’re legally owed.
Injured in an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault? Call Shaw!
No one wants an injury and, worse, spending enormous amounts for treatment. If you or your loved one has an accident due to other people’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Property Damage,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We can help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.