Insurance companies make their money by collecting premiums from as many customers as possible and paying out as little money as possible in claims. Victims of car accidents in Virginia are usually compensated by the other driver’s insurance company, under that driver’s “bodily injury” policy. If you have been injured in a car accident, the Virginia Beach bodily injury attorneys at Jeremiah A. Denton III, P.C. will help you deal with the other driver’s insurance company so that you can pay your medical bills. If the insurer will not cooperate, our skilled attorneys will pursue your claims in court.
Virginia’s car insurance laws are unique. In most states, drivers are required to carry liability insurance. Virginia allows drivers to avoid this requirement by paying a $500 fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register the car as an uninsured vehicle. Owners who choose this option have no protection or insurance in case of a crash. They are also subject to the full expense of a lawsuit from anyone they injure.
Most owners elect to carry “bodily injury” protection. This insurance protects you when you injure someone else by paying their medical bills up to your coverage limit. After an accident, you generally pursue damages from the insurance company of the other driver, not your own. This insurance covers your medical costs and other bills. Bodily injury refers specifically to this type of insurance and claims stemming from it. This is different from a personal injury claim which is an action filed in court seeking compensation.
While no other coverage is legally required, it is a good idea to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage will allow you to recover from your own insurance company when your medical bills are higher than what is covered by the other driver’s bodily protection insurance. You can also get insurance to compensate you for your injuries when the other driver doesn’t have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover your injuries. This is called uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UIM).
In cases where insurance isn’t enough to cover your medical expenses, or in cases where you have significant lost wages or permanent injuries, your auto accident lawyer can help you bring a personal injury claim against the responsible driver.
If you have been injured in a crash, and an insurance company doesn’t want to pay, it’s time to call in someone who can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. At Jeremiah A. Denton III, P.C., we will work to keep an insurance company from undervaluing your bodily injury claim. If your injuries are greater than what is covered by insurance, we will pursue your claims in court. If you believe an insurance company’s settlement offer is low, contact us today by calling 757-215-4818 or contacting us online.