Insurance Concerns

Helping personal injury victims hold insurers accountable after an accident in Washington

At Philbrook Law, we understand the different types of insurance car drivers, property owners, construction site owners, manufacturers, and other defendants must have – and how much they do have. During our 20 years of practice, we’ve often settled cases for the insurance policy limits – the amount of coverage the defendants have to pay for damage claims. We are experienced at the art of negotiation and know how to achieve the best results. Contact us in Vancouver, WA to get started.

What is liability insurance in WA and why is it necessary?

Anyone who drives a car is generally required to have liability insurance (the insurance that pays for damages) in the following minimum amounts:

• $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
• $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
• $10,000 for damage to another person’s property

Auto owners should buy as much more than the minimum coverage as they can afford. Many car accident cases are worth much more than the bare minimums. Just one night in a hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Any type of injury that requires long-term physical therapy or rehabilitation can cost a fortune.

What is UM/UIM insurance?

UM/UIM insurance is uninsured insurance/underinsured insurance. This is insurance that car owners buy for themselves and for passengers in their cars. When another person or company causes a car owner, car driver, or passengers to be injured, the responsible person/company may not have insurance, or may not have enough insurance, to pay for all the damages. In this scenario, the injured person can demand that the UM/UIM insurance company for any outstanding damage amounts. The claim for damages against the UM/UIM carrier can be made up to the UM/UIM insurance policy limits.

Which insurance company pays for which damages?

There are some situations where it can be hard to determine to determine which insurance company pays for which damages. These include:

• Health care. Generally, injury victims use their own health insurance to pay for any ER care, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, medications, and medical devices.
• Property damage. If you have collision or property damage insurance, you can file a claim with those carriers. For example, if your car is wrecked in a Washington car accident, you need money to repair or replace the car. If you have collision insurance, that carrier pays for the car repairs or replacement.
• Lost income. Some people have disability insurance coverage that pays wages if the person can’t work due to his or her injuries.

The companies, such as your health insurance company may be entitled to be reimbursed for any payments if you settle or obtain a favorable verdict against those responsible for your injuries.

What steps do you need to take with your own insurance company after an accident?

There are a few dos and don’ts you should review with our experienced Vancouver, WA personal injury lawyers.

Do: You do need to notify your own insurance carrier that you had an accident so they can document the claim. They have the right to inspect the vehicle. If you are asked to give a statement, consult with your lawyer about what you are required to disclose before doing or signing anything.

Do not: You should not speak with or negotiate your claim with the insurance company for any responsible parties – such as the driver who hit your or the insurance carrier for the property where you suffered an injury. You should only tell them you have a lawyer representing you. Liability insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They will try to make a low-ball settlement which you can’t renegotiate. They will also try to get you to say things against your best interest – such as that you were partially responsible for the accident.

What is insurance company bad faith?

Insurance companies are regulated by the state of Washington. They have a duty to negotiate in good faith. If they fail to negotiate in good faith, they can be held accountable for additional damages. For example, they may be required to pay for the full value of the case even if it’s more than the policy limits.

Examples of insurance company bad faith negotiation include:

• Taking positions they know aren’t true
• Making unreasonable demands for information
• Refusing to make reasonable offers based on the facts of the case and your injuries
• Stalling

Our Vancouver, WA insurance accident lawyers file bad faith insurance claims if an insurance adjuster refuses to bargain in good faith.

What is the right of contribution?

In many accidents, more than one person is responsible for your injuries or the death of a loved one. If you slip and fall while in a hotel, both the owner of the hotel and a repair company may be liable. In a products liability claim, both the manufacturer and the retailer of the product may be liable. In a car accident, both the other driver and a tavern that sold the driver liquor while he was visibly drunk may be liable.

Washington’s right of contribution laws help determine which defendant’s insurance companies pay your damages. Generally, if one responsible defendant doesn’t have enough insurance, then the insurance company for the other defendant must pay your damages.

The right of contribution laws are complicated. What you need to know is that our Washington personal injury lawyers use these laws to help settle your case and help you get paid if there is verdict in your favor.

Contact our seasoned Vancouver, WA lawyers today

At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA accident insurance lawyers handle most types of accident claims – including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, premises liability cases, construction accidents, and product liability cases. We’ve settled many cases for the insurance policy limits. We have a record of strong recoveries from UM/UIM carriers. We fight aggressively to obtain all the insurance proceeds you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Portland, OR, please call or complete our contact form. We also serve the greater Portland area and Oregon State.

We represent personal injury victims on a contingency fee basis.

Related Articles

• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Are More Important Than Ever
• Should I Hire a Lawyer For an Uninsured Driver Claim
• Strategies Insurance Companies and Defense Lawyers Use to Not Pay Claims
• What Happens When My Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Runs Out?
• What is the Statute of Limitations in Washington State?

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

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