Connecticut law only requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance coverage. In other words, the most compensation a single car accident victim can receive if they are hit by a driver with the absolute minimum coverage is $25,000. Unfortunately, many Connecticut drivers carry only the minimum amount of liability insurance.
While $25,000 may be sufficient in many car accident cases, it is likely to fall short in the event of serious injuries or death. Consider this: the initial ambulance ride to the hospital after a car crash can cost up to $1,000. The average emergency room visit in Connecticut is $1,000 to $2,000. When you add on costs for surgeries, medication, physical therapy and more, medical bills can easily add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then there is the issue of lost wages and other costs.
How Do I Pay Medical Bills If I Was Hit By A Driver Who Only Has Minimum Liability Insurance?
First, it is important to understand that just because a driver has a certain amount of coverage does not mean their insurance company will pay you that amount. Insurance companies may attempt to underpay or deny the claim altogether. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you pursue all of the compensation available from the negligent driver’s insurance policy.
Your attorney can also help you seek other sources of compensation so you can get your medical bills paid. For most car wreck victims, the next step after looking at the careless driver’s insurance is to turn to their own insurance. By law, Connecticut drivers must carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, at a minimum.
Even when working with your own auto insurance company, you should not assume you will automatically get all the compensation you deserve. Even your own insurer may try to underpay you or deny your claim. Here again, your lawyer’s role will be to work to get you everything you are entitled to under your policy.
Of course, there are other coverages and sources of recovery in the mix as well, including your health insurance coverage. An attorney experienced in these matters will understand how to find all possible sources of compensation so you do not have to stress about paying your medical bills out of pocket.