What to Do if You’re Injured by an Underinsured Driver

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident that was caused by someone who carries only the minimum requirement for liability insurance, that driver’s insurance may be inadequate to cover the full extent of your damages. While an underinsured motorist complicates an already complicated and difficult situation, an experienced New York City car accident attorney can help.

Underinsured Motorist Endorsement

It’s very likely that your own insurance policy includes coverage for underinsured motorists. The endorsement for underinsured drivers is coverage that comes into play when an at-fault motorist’s coverage isn’t sufficient to cover the injured party’s full spectrum of damages. In such an instance, your own underinsured motorist coverage will kick in where the at-fault driver’s coverage leaves off.

Your Insurance Company

You purchased underinsured (and uninsured) coverage exactly for this reason – in case you were seriously injured by a motorist whose own insurance coverage is inadequate – but this doesn’t mean that obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled will be smooth sailing. Your insurance company is in the business of making money, and this can often translate to offering reduced settlement offers – or even denying claims outright. Your dedicated car accident attorney has the fortitude and experience to skillfully negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for favorable settlement terms.

Your Damages

The damages you suffer as a result of a dangerous car accident are likely to be far-reaching, including:

• The Cost of Medical Care – The medical costs associated with a serious car accident tend to be overwhelming and can range from emergency care and transportation through surgery and aftercare and on to treatment from doctors and specialists, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and the list goes on. Further, the associated health concerns often lead to secondary health challenges that can reverberate into your future.
• The Loss of Wages – If another motorist’s negligence leaves you seriously injured, you’re going to miss hours on the job and are going to experience an attendant decrease in wages. Depending upon the extent and nature of your injuries, you may be facing a diminished ability to earn into your future (if you aren’t permanently precluded from returning to work).
• Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with a serious car accident is very real and should not be overlooked or minimized. The emotional effects emanating from a violent car accident can include increased anxiety, symptoms of depression, erratic mood swings, emotional lability, and much more.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced NYC Car Accident Attorney Today

Underinsured drivers are out there, but the dedicated car accident attorneys at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman in NYC are well versed at successfully championing cases like yours. Our firm’s roots in the City go back more than 80 years, and our experience and stellar reputation guide all of our work. We’re here for you when you need us, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 212-285-3300 for more information today.