Sources of Financial Recovery for Automobile Collision Injuries

Sources of Financial Recovery for Automobile Collision Injuries

**Introduction**

Dealing with the aftermath of an automobile collision, especially when you've suffered serious injuries due to another driver's negligence, can be challenging. One of the most significant concerns is figuring out how to cover your medical expenses and receive compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured. This comprehensive guide explores four practical sources for financial recovery, depending on your unique circumstances. If you're facing this situation, seeking legal assistance from an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer is crucial.

**The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance**

In Missouri, every motorist is required to have automobile liability insurance, with a minimum bodily injury coverage of $25,000. However, policies offering significantly more coverage are available, and insurance coverage for commercial vehicles can exceed $1,000,000. Some drivers also carry umbrella insurance policies that can apply to damages exceeding their motor-vehicle policy limit. Determining the available coverage can be a complex task, and it requires the expertise of a seasoned personal injury attorney.

**Uninsured Motorist Insurance**

Although the law mandates that all motorists carry liability insurance, many drivers operate their vehicles without any such coverage. Unfortunately, this is a common situation, and if you're injured by an uninsured motorist, you'll need to seek recovery from uninsured motorist coverage through your own automobile insurance policy. Every automobile insurance policy sold in Missouri must include at least $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. Additional coverage can be purchased for an extra premium. In many cases, uninsured motorist coverage is the sole source of recovery, making it a wise choice to ensure you're well-protected.

**Underinsured Motorist Insurance**

There are often situations where the at-fault driver's liability insurance is insufficient to cover the costs adequately. The medical expenses alone for injuries requiring surgical intervention can easily surpass the coverage held by most non-commercial motorists. Underinsured motorist coverage is optional and is used to address damages not covered by the at-fault driver's liability coverage. However, it's important to note that all insurance policies differ, and some underinsured motorist policies may not provide excess coverage in specific situations. Understanding the type of insurance you have is crucial.

**Medical Payment Benefits**

Most auto insurers offer a coverage option known as medical payment benefits (med pay). This coverage is optional and typically has lower policy limits compared to liability, uninsured, and underinsured coverages. Common med pay limits include $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, and $10,000. Med pay is a form of no-fault insurance, meaning that when you have this coverage, it applies to medical bills resulting from auto collisions, regardless of whether the accident was caused by the other driver or your own actions.

There are generally two types of med pay in Missouri. The first type pays out regardless of whether health insurance or another source has already contributed to your medical bill payments. The second type, called excess med pay, only applies to the out-of-pocket portion of medical bills incurred. In other words, the first form will cover any amounts billed by your healthcare providers, up to the policy limit, while the second will only cover portions not covered by health insurance, such as co-pays or balances remaining after health insurance payments and adjustments.

**Maximizing Recovery**

Maximizing recovery from each of the policies applicable to a given collision can be a complex task. It requires specialized knowledge, not only about the policies mentioned but also about how they interact with health insurance policies, medical providers, and Missouri lien laws. Only an experienced personal injury attorney possesses the necessary skills to navigate these challenges successfully. Cantor Injury Law exclusively handles injury cases and has the knowledge and experience needed to help you secure the maximum compensation for your serious injuries.

**Conclusion**

If you're seeking financial recovery for automobile collision injuries, understanding the available sources of compensation and having a dedicated legal advocate by your side is essential. Whether you're dealing with an at-fault driver's liability insurance, uninsured motorist insurance, underinsured motorist insurance, or medical payment benefits, professional guidance is key to ensuring your rights are protected and your recovery is maximized. Contact Cantor Injury Law today for expert assistance in handling your automobile collision injury case.