Underinsured Drivers In Kentucky: When The Other Driver’s Policy Is Not Enough To Cover Your Losses

After a serious car accident in Kentucky, victims often assume the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover their losses. However, if the amount needed to compensate you totals more than their policy limits, you could be left with significant out-of-pocket costs.

Why should you have to pay for something that was not your fault? Our experienced Madisonville car accident lawyer provides the trusted legal representation clients need in these cases. Underinsured claims are common in serious crashes. Find out how to get the total amount you deserve.

Why Insurance Coverage Often Falls Short After Serious Accidents

There is no such thing as a “minor car accident.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even a parking lot fender bender can leave you suffering costly property damages and injuries that require medical care. More serious car accidents in Kentucky can total more than six figures.

Kentucky law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. However, many carry the mandatory minimum, which is often too low to cover the actual cost of serious crashes. Common problems injured victims often encounter when filing a claim include:

• The cost of your medical care and any ongoing treatment quickly exceeds policy limits.
• Not enough coverage to pay lost wages, particularly for extended recovery periods.
• Payment often excludes compensation for pain and suffering.
• In accidents involving multiple injured parties, you may share the same policy, reducing available funds.

Once you hit policy limits, you’re stuck. Even if your costs clearly exceed policy limits, the insurance company will say there’s nothing left to pay.

When The Cost of Car Accident Injuries in Kentucky Exceeds Policy Limits

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 15 percent of drivers in Kentucky lack auto insurance. Even among those with a policy in place, limits may not be high enough to cover a serious crash.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Taking the following steps can help you get the total amount you deserve:

• Refuse any immediate, low-ball insurance settlement offers, which may not reach policy limits.
• Seek payment through your own underinsured motorist coverage.
• Identify other responsible parties and file a claim through their insurers.
• File a car accident lawsuit through the Kentucky Circuit Court.

You have one chance to get what you need to recover. To avoid settling for less than you deserve, discuss your options with an experienced Kentucky car accident lawyer.

Contact Our Experienced Madisonville, Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer Today

Involved in a Kentucky car accident with an underinsured driver? At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we can evaluate your coverage, identify additional sources of recovery, and protect you against out-of-pocket costs. As seasoned litigators, we will not hesitate to go to court to get you the maximum amount you deserve.

Before accepting less than what you are entitled to or need to recover, call or contact us online. We proudly represent injured clients in Madisonville, Kentucky, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a consultation today with our experienced car accident lawyer.

Sources:

crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#!/PublicationList/53

drive.ky.gov/Vehicles/Pages/Mandatory-Insurance.aspx

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists