In most states, including Tennessee and Virginia, automobile insurance regulations stipulate that drivers must carry liability insurance. This type of coverage is designed to pay for injuries and other damages inflicted on others due to your negligence in an accident. While liability insurance is mandatory, additional protection for personal injuries sustained by you or your family members in an accident is optional. If you choose not to obtain this additional coverage, any medical expenses resulting from a car accident would need to be addressed solely through your health insurance provider or other sources, unless you were less than 50 percent at fault. Regardless of the situation, you will your medical providers to bill your health insurance as primarily responsible for your medical expenses.

If you have MedPay coverage through your auto insurance policy, it can reimburse full medical expense charges (up to policy limits) related to the accident, without regard to fault. In contrast, other auto insurance provisions will not pay your medical expenses if the accident was caused mostly by your negligence. Some policies also include provisions for a variety of expenses associated with your recovery, such as rehabilitation services, lost wages, funeral costs or other death benefits.

If your insurance claim is rejected or fails to provide adequate compensation for your medical expenses and related costs, enlisting the services of an experienced automobile accident attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can gather evidence to demonstrate that your injuries were indeed a result of the accident and can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with your insurance company. In cases where negotiation falls short, they can represent you in legal action against your insurer.

Moreover, a skilled attorney also can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance provider. This can include seeking damages that are not covered by standard insurance policies, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent injury and loss of enjoyment of life.

The attorneys at Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C. in Bristol, Tennessee, have more than 70 years of combined legal experience representing seriously injured victims of auto accidents in the Tri-Cities area. Call our law firm at 423-797-6022 or contact us online to schedule your free introductory consultation.