Understanding Alabama’s Fault-Based Car Insurance System
After suffering devastating injuries in a motor vehicle wreck, filing a claim with the insurance company may be one of the best ways for you to recover the compensation you are going to need to get through these difficult times. However, understanding Alabama’s fault-based car insurance system can be confusing. Fortunately, you can get the answers and support you need to navigate the insurance claims process when you have a leading Birmingham car accident lawyer from Drake Injury Lawyers guiding you along the way.
Our team can help you understand how the state’s fault insurance laws could impact the outcome of your settlement. We are not afraid to go up against profit-driven insurance companies to get our clients the compensation they are entitled to. With over 25 years of trial experience and more than $500 million recovered in verdicts and insurance settlements, our dedication to our clients is unmatched. Learn more about what to expect from your Alabama car insurance claim when you read on.
What it Means to Live in a Fault State
Living in a fault state as described by the Mandatory Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Law means that the liable party will be expected to compensate the injured victim for their injuries after causing an accident. In terms of insurance, you will file a claim against the liable party’s auto insurance policy. Then, their insurance provider will be expected to compensate you based on the terms as outlined in the insurance policy.
The amount of compensation you can recover through this insurance claim will depend on how much coverage the policyholder has purchased. If they only purchased the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage as required under the law, this may not be enough to compensate you for the full value of your losses. For this reason, it is crucial that you keep your options for legal recourse open instead of relying solely on an insurance payout.
Alabama Auto Insurance Requirements
Per the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), the state requires all motorists to have auto insurance coverage in place. There are specific types and amounts of coverage you must have to remain in compliance with state law. These include:
- $25,000 per accident in property damage liability (PDL) coverage
- $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage
- $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
You are not required to have guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance, comprehensive, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, collision, or other optional types of coverage. However, you do have the option of increasing the amount of coverage you carry. This will help protect you in the event of a collision where you are responsible for causing the accident. If another driver is at fault, their auto insurance policy will determine how much you can recover through your insurance claim.
What to Expect From the Insurance Company
Dealing with the insurance company is one of the most difficult aspects of the claims process. Unfortunately, many insurance companies handle claims in bad faith. They may refuse to investigate, attempt to misrepresent the policy terms, or delay the processing of your claim. Some insurance companies make insultingly low settlement offers, taking advantage of the fact that you need access to money as soon as possible.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself by enlisting the services of a respected Birmingham truck accident lawyer from Drake Injury Lawyers. Our team has decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and we will not let them get away with taking advantage of you. We will fight tirelessly to ensure the insurance company is held accountable for its obligations.
Contact a Leading Alabama Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
Fault insurance laws ensure the liable party and their insurance company are held accountable for your injuries and damages. Just because your insurance settlement does not cover the full value of your losses does not mean you are without additional legal options. Filing a personal injury lawsuit for your car accident damages could be the best way to get the most out of your claim.
When you are ready to take charge of your car accident claim but are unsure of where to begin, look no further than a respected Birmingham personal injury attorney from Drake Injury Lawyers. Our firm proudly offers 100% free consultations to car accident victims and injury survivors throughout the state. Claim yours as soon as today when you call our office or submit our secured contact form.