Not Enough Insurance to Cover Damages? Here’s What You Can Do

After a serious car accident, your first concern is your health, but the bills won't take care of themselves. From ambulance rides and ER visits to surgery and rehabilitation, the costs of car accidents in California can escalate quickly. Many injured drivers assume the responsible party's insurance will take care of everything. But what happens if insurance doesn't cover an accident? What if the at-fault driver's insurance won't pay the full amount, or if your own coverage comes up short?

Understanding your options is essential, especially in California, where medical bills can soar and even "full coverage" policies may fall short. In this article, we'll break down what to do if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance and how a personal injury attorney can help protect your financial recovery.

Responsible Party Insurance Not Enough?

It's surprisingly common for drivers to face the harsh reality of not enough insurance to cover damages. California only requires drivers to carry $30,000 in liability coverage per person and $60,000 per accident—amounts that barely scratch the surface if multiple people are injured or surgery is involved. So, is liability insurance enough? Often, it's not.

If the responsible party's insurance is insufficient or nonexistent, you may be able to file an underinsured motorist claim through your own policy, provided you purchased that coverage in advance. This can help bridge the gap between what the at-fault party can pay and your actual expenses. But if you don't have enough coverage either, you may be left to pay out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. In these cases, a personal injury attorney can explore whether third-party liability exists, meaning that someone other than the at-fault driver may also bear legal responsibility for the accident.

For example, if a defective auto part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable. Similarly, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, such as a commercial truck operator, their employer may share financial responsibility. Identifying these additional parties can significantly increase the total compensation available to you and is one of the key advantages of working with an experienced attorney.

Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver?

When dealing with insurance companies doesn't produce a fair outcome, your next step may be pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. While this is a valid option, it's essential to understand that a lawsuit is often a last resort. If the other driver has limited assets, a successful judgment may be difficult to collect.

However, lawsuits can still help, especially when paired with strong legal representation. A legal professional can assess whether the at-fault driver has income that can be garnished. Further, they may also use the threat of litigation to negotiate a larger settlement, avoiding court altogether.

Your lawyer can also manage the complexities of your case, ensuring deadlines are met and your rights are protected. Without legal guidance, you risk leaving compensation on the table—or worse, taking on debt for an accident that wasn't your fault. 

Need a Personal Injury Attorney in North Hollywood or Burbank?

Facing a situation where the at-fault driver's insurance won't pay full amount can be frustrating, but you're not without options. Whether through an underinsured motorist claim, third-party liability, or a well-prepared lawsuit, there are pathways to recover the compensation you need. The key is taking action early and having a knowledgeable accident injury attorney in North Hollywood on your side.

When you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident and concerned there's not enough insurance to cover damages, don't try to navigate it alone. A skilled California personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, explore every potential source of compensation, and stand up to insurance companies that don't have your best interests at heart.

If you need legal help, contact Yepremyan Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our personal injury law firm in North Hollywood has been helping clients across Southern California since 1998. Call our office today and schedule your appointment with a car accident lawyer in North Hollywood or request to be connected with a personal injury lawyer in Burbank. Your path to justice starts here.

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