Does Liability Insurance Cover My Car if Someone Hit Me?

Particularly when negotiating the subtleties of insurance coverage, car accidents can be taxing. Often asked is, “Does liability insurance cover my car if someone hits me?” Should you find yourself in this position, you are not alone. Financial protection following an accident depends on an awareness of liability insurance and its workings.

We are here to help at Dormer Harpring. This article will go over the necessary auto insurance in Denver, Colorado, clarify what occurs should you only have liability insurance, and walk over the methods to pursue reimbursement. Go on to learn and equip yourself for any possible road incidents.

What Should I Do if I Have Liability Insurance and I Hit Someone?

Liability insurance primarily covers damages to other people and their property if you’re at fault in an accident. If you cause a collision, your liability insurance may pay for the victim’s car repairs and medical expenses up to the policy limits. Unfortunately, it does not cover damages to your vehicle.

If you hit someone and only have liability insurance, here’s what you should do:

1. Stop and Check for Injuries 

Colorado law requires you to stop immediately after an accident. Check for injuries, assist if needed, and call 911 to report the incident and ensure help arrives promptly.

1. Exchange Information 

Send the other person your insurance, license, and phone number following an accident. Moreover, make sure you get their data for your records to enable more effective resolution and communication.

1. Document the Scene 

Photograph clearly the damage, the surrounding area, and pertinent information. Quickly submitting a comprehensive and accurate report with your insurance carrier depends on a solid visual record.

1. Inform Your Insurance Provider 

Notify your insurance company immediately after an accident. Share all relevant details, including photos and reports, but avoid admitting fault. The cooperation ensures a smoother claims process and quicker resolution.

1. Prepare for Out-of-Pocket Costs 

Repairing your car without extra coverage, such as collision insurance, probably will cost you money.

Liability insurance is designed to protect others, not necessarily you. Consider carrying higher coverage or adding options like collision insurance to manage unexpected costs better.

What to Do if I Only Have Liability Insurance and Someone Hits Me? 

If someone else is at fault for the accident, their liability insurance should cover your car’s damages and medical expenses. Recovering your damages, though, could get more difficult if the other motorist has inadequate coverage or none at all.

Here’s what you should do in such a case:

Steps to Take:

1. Collect Evidence 

  Ensure the other driver’s insurance information is obtained and the accident is documented. Take clear photos of the scene, gather witness statements, and note any important details for reference.

1. File a Police Report 

Immediately call the local police and ask for a thorough incident report. Correct resolution of a claim with the other driver’s insurance company depends on this certified paperwork.

1. Contact the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance 

Tell their insurance company about the collision right away and start the claims process. Organize all required records, have good communication skills, and be ready to bargain over other connected fees, medical bills, and repair charges.

1. Consider Additional Coverage Options 

Policies like Uninsured Motorist Coverage or Collision Coverage under your insurance could reimburse your damages should the at-fault motorist be uninsured or underinsured. See what optional coverage your policy offers.

1. Work With an Attorney 

  Insurance companies can sometimes be difficult to deal with. If you’re struggling to recover the compensation you’re owed, consulting with a Colorado Car Accident Attorney might help you secure a fair resolution.

If the responsible party has inadequate insurance or is otherwise unable to cover damages, legal action may be the only way to recover damages.

What Type of Car Insurance Is Required in Denver?

Colorado law established minimums so that all drivers have at least some coverage in the event of an accident. While these requirements protect other drivers, they often leave gaps for your financial protection in the case of an accident.

Colorado’s Minimum Liability Insurance Coverage:

1. $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person. 
2. $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident. 
3. $15,000 for property damage per accident.

These minimums satisfy state criteria. However, they might not be sufficient to cover all possible losses, especially in catastrophic collisions. These criteria also exclude safeguarding your car. Policies like Collision or Comprehensive Insurance or extras like Uninsured Motorist Insurance will help to provide better coverage.

When Should I Consider Legal Action? 

Sometimes, even after filing claims or negotiating with insurers, you may not receive adequate compensation. Pursuing legal action might be necessary if you’ve sustained significant damages, such as:

• Bodily Injuries: Covers medical expenses for treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, and any necessary long-term care resulting from injuries sustained in an accident or incident.

• Repair Costs: You may face unexpected costs when repairing or restoring your car as a result of damages or even replacing it altogether.
• Lost Wages: Income you’ve missed if your injuries keep you from going back to your job, and compensation fills the financial gap while you recover or can’t work.
• Pain and Suffering: The emotional distress, mental anguish, and trauma arising from the accident that spills over into the victim’s quality of life, daily routine, and mental health.

Factors to Consider Before Proceeding:

• Responsibility Assignment: One of the major elements of legal disputes is determining responsibility for the accident.
• Insurance Coverage Limits: Legal action might be the only recourse if the liable party’s policy doesn’t cover your damages.
• Uninsured Drivers: Without coverage, the at-fault driver might not have the financial means to settle their debts.

Navigating legal steps can be complex and time-consuming. Protect your rights by exploring your options with experienced car accident attorneys such as the Dormer Harpring team.

Contact Us Today

Do you have problems with insurance claims or coverage? If you have faced losses, Dormer Harpring can be there with personalized legal support to help you recover damages, negotiate with insurers, and/or sue. Call us at 303 747 4404, or come and see us at 3457 Ringsby Ct Unit 110, Denver, CO 80216. Your peace of mind is just a call away.

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