Did you ever wonder how big verdicts get collected? Every day we read in the newspaper about big verdicts in Court. Philadelphia is a mecca for large Automobile Settlements and Verdicts. Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates’ motor vehicle accident attorneys have won and collected many million dollar settlements and verdicts reaching upwards of TEN MILLION DOLLARS. But just because the Court or a Jury issue sets an amount, does that mean that the money just appears in your bank account? Well not necessarily. That is why a client needs experienced counsel who knows the ins and outs of the legal process. Often, in Automobile Litigation, the defendant is covered by insurance. Be warned, however, that not all drivers are insured, and if they are, not all drivers have large enough policies. When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a catastrophic injury, personal assets can be at risk. Therefore, it is important to speak with an accident lawyer to make sure that you are adequately insured. What happens however if you are the victim of an uninsured or underinsured driver’s negligence? Did you know that you may be able to collect the excess amounts of your verdict from your own insurance policy IF you purchase coverage to protect you from uninsured or underinsured drivers? Such UM and/or UIM coverage is often affordable and is highly recommended to protect you and your family from the effects of negligence by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Let’s say, however, you neglected to purchase UM and/or UIM coverage. Your recourse then may be limited to the limits of the policy in place, or to attempting to pursue recovery against the personal assets of the uninsured/underinsured driver. Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have an obligation to settle within their customer’s insurance policy limits if liability and damages are clear. In such cases, a good accident lawyer will mail out an excess demand letter reminding the carrier of its obligation to protect its insured by tendering the policy. If the carrier refuses, the Courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey may expand the policy to meet the verdict amount where the Court finds that the insurance company has refused in bad faith to settle their customer’s case. How do you protect yourself?
- 1) Have your policy reviewed by a trial lawyer like the accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates to insure that you have proper coverage to protect yourself and your family.
- 2) Hire only qualified accident attorneys who have a proven track record. After all, it is your injury and your recovery.
The Pennsylvania & New Jersey auto accident lawyers at the law firm of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates are well-versed in dealing with accident cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, we can help. Our lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and will fight to obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. We have offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Voorhees, New Jersey and we are available to speak with you 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Call today at 215-567-6600 for a free consultation or contact us online.