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Who pays after a car accident?
What happens if the at fault driver doesn't have enough insurance? In many states including Washington, all motorists are offered underinsured or uninsured motorist protection by their insurance company. So if the at fault driver doesn't have enough money to pay a full, fair settlement, you can turn to this part of your policy to file your claim. However, there are rules and special circumstances that may apply so it's best to talk to a lawyer before you file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. Click this video link to learn more about who pays after a car accident.
Pedestrian vs. Driver - who's at fault?
It’s unavoidable that motor vehicles and those on foot have to share the same roads sometimes. Almost every time that a collision occurs between them, the pedestrian receives far more damage – and sometimes dies – while the driver is unhurt. However, does this mean that it’s the driver who is also usually at fault? Sometimes it’s very clear who is at fault, such as in cases that involve drunk or distracted driving, or other illegal behaviors. Other times, it’s not so cut and dried. So how is fault determined in car accidents with pedestrians? Several factors come into play.
A little known fact on reimbursing your health insurer after your claim is paid
It often comes as a surprise to personal injury victims that after their insurance claim has settled, they may be writing a big check to their health insurance company. I created this video from my blog to talk about the process of reimbursing your health insurance company after your personal injury claim settles and what you need to know.
Questions about personal injury law? Find the answers on this YouTube channel
After an automobile accident, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Bill Coats Law, in Bellingham Washington, has put together a YouTube Channel to answer some common question in hopes to help accident victims start on the right path to full financial recovery. Click here to get the answers you need.
Every auto insurance policy should have this kind of protection
It's called uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and all policies in Washington state are by law supposed to include it unless the policy holder specifically opts out. If your injuries and losses are more expensive than the at-fault driver's policy can cover, it's a critical part of your financial recovery after a car accident. Click to learn more.
What is PIP and how does it work? [VIDEO]
Many industries have a litany of acronyms and insurance is no exception. If you've been in a car accident, PIP might be a new one for you. It stands for Personal Injury Protection and will be a key piece to your peace of mind. For an explanation of what PIP is and how it works, click to watch this video by Bill Coats Law in Bellingham, WA.
Things not to say if you're pulled over for distracted driving
In the State of Washington, you can be pulled over if an officer thinks you're driving while distracted - even if you are doing everything else right. This is because this behavior is so incredibly dangerous - as much if not more so as driving drunk. For recent research on how risky distracted driving is and what not to say if you're busted for it, click here.
I was the passenger in a car accident, what do I do?
Every time motorists accept a passenger into their vehicle, they form an upspoken agreement that they’ll both do what it takes to make the drive a safe one. Yet it is the driver’s ultimate responsibility to maintain the passenger’s well-being as long as that person is a passenger. Reckless, negligent driving – including drunk, drugged, or distracted driving – puts everyone in danger, especially those who are not in the driver’s seat. In case of an accident those behaviors cause or contribute to, the passenger retains the right to hold the driver liable for damages and losses that result.Click to learn more about car accidents in which the passenger was hurt.
Accident victims need answers. Bill Coats Law's YouTube channel provides them.
After an automobile accident, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Bill Coats Law, in Bellingham Washington, has put together a YouTube Channel to answer some common question in hopes to help accident victims start on the right path to full financial recovery. Click here to get the answers you need.