When a motor vehicle accident occurs, it is possible that the driver responsible for the accident does not have enough bodily injury insurance coverage to pay for anyone injured in the accident. This is likely when the responsible driver only has the minimum bodily injury coverage required by Massachusetts law, which is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
How Should You Protect Yourself From Medical Costs After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is optional insurance you can purchase under your Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Policy. If you are injured in an accident and the responsible driver does not have enough bodily injury coverage to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages due to your injuries, UIM is available to cover those costs, as well as provide coverage for any ongoing medical complications you may have as a result of the accident. Your UIM coverage can also provide for your household members and any other passenger(s) in your vehicle at the time of the accident.
How Does Underinsured Car Insurance Work?
Suppose you get into a serious car crash caused by a negligent driver. You have an underinsured coverage limit of $100,000. The driver responsible for the motor vehicle accident has a bodily injury coverage limit of $20,000 per person. That $20,000 is not enough to cover your medical expenses or damages available under Massachusetts law. Because you have underinsured coverage, after the $20,000 from the responsible driver’s insurance is collected, you can then collect up to an additional $80,000 from your underinsured coverage. In other words, the amount you receive from the responsible driver’s bodily injury insurance coverage is subtracted from your underinsured coverage limit to determine the maximum underinsured amount you can collect for this accident from your insurance company.
How Can SUGARMAN Help You After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Massachusetts?
Auto insurance policy issues arise frequently in automobile accidents. They can be very complicated— involving various parties, claims, and insurance companies. Given the complex nature of these claims, having an experienced personal injury attorney handle them greatly reduces stress and simplifies the process for you. It also will likely make your recovery greater.
SUGARMAN attorneys have decades of experience advocating for injured persons in motor vehicle accidents to ensure they recover maximum damages. If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, please call us at 617-542-1000 or email our attorneys at info@sugarman.com.
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