Injury Lawyers Who Truly Care

3 times car insurance won’t be enough to help you after a wreck

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2022 | Car Accidents

Just like you can’t predict when a crash will occur, you have no way of knowing what kind of consequences it will create for you and the other people involved. Drivers in Virginia have the protection of liability coverage to cover the many possible losses from a wreck. State law requires coverage from all drivers.

You have the right to file a claim against the other driver’s coverage when they caused the crash. Your own policy can also help you avoid liability when you cause a wreck or sometimes in one of the three difficult situations below.

When do people involved in Virginia crashes discover insurance won’t be sufficient for their needs?

  1. When an at-fault driver is uninsured

Some people gamble with their own financial future and the finances of other people. They choose to cancel their insurance coverage and run the risk of getting into a crash without the appropriate protection. There are also some people who unintentionally let their policies lapse because they miss a payment or experience some kind of financial issues. You never know if the person who causes your crash will actually have insurance.

  1. When a driver has a cheap policy

Many people view insurance as a burden rather than a crucial form of personal protection. They resent the obligation to pay hundreds of dollars to drive when they imagine they will never need to file a claim. Virginia is in the process of increasing coverage requirements but currently only requires $30,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage if a crash leaves just one person hurt. The other driver might also only have $20,000 in property damage coverage, which won’t be enough to buy a new car.

  1. When you suffer catastrophic injuries

Even if the other driver invested in twice the required amount of bodily injury coverage required by state law, extreme medical issues can still cost far more than that to treat. Amputations, brain injuries and spinal cord damage are among the medical issues possible after a car crash that could carry a price tag far beyond what insurance will cover.

If you have extra coverage on your policy, such as uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, your insurance covers could help you cover some of your crash-related expenses. Otherwise, you may need to look into a lawsuit against the other drivers. Recognizing that insurance might fall short of your needs can help you more easily recoup your losses after a Virginia car crash.

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