Why Your Own Insurance Matters After a Car Accident
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law.
One of the most common questions we get from clients is:
“Why are you asking about my insurance if the accident wasn’t my fault?”
It’s a fair question. But the answer can make a big difference in your recovery.
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Your Health Insurance Can Help You Get Better Care
Even though someone else caused the accident, your health insurance can still be a valuable tool.
Using your health insurance may:
- Give you access to more doctors or specialists
- Allow you to continue seeing doctors you already trust
- Help you get treatment faster
It also often makes care more affordable upfront compared to treating on a lien or paying out of pocket.
Important:
Using your health insurance does not reduce what the at-fault party owes you. It may impact how bills are calculated, but your claim value is still based on your injuries and damages.
In many cases, your health insurance company will place a lien, meaning they are reimbursed from the settlement later.
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Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
We also ask about your car insurance because of something called:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM)
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
These coverages apply when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance, or
- They don’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries
If you are seriously hurt, your own policy may provide additional compensation beyond what the other driver can pay.
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Faster and More Reliable Recovery
Using UM or UIM coverage can:
- Help you recover money faster
- Avoid the need to chase an individual driver who may not have assets
- Allow your insurance company to pursue repayment on their own
This can simplify the process and reduce delays.
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Will Your Rates Go Up?
This is a major concern for clients.
In most situations, your rates should not increase for using UM or UIM coverage when you were not at fault.
If that ever becomes an issue, speak to your lawyer, it is something that should be addressed immediately.
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If You Have It, You Should Evaluate Using It
You pay for these coverages every month.
If they apply to your situation, it makes sense to:
- Review them
- Understand your options
- Decide what is best for you and your family
That said, every case is different. The right decision depends on your specific facts, injuries, and coverage.
Final Thoughts
Your own insurance is not about blame. It is about protecting yourself.
Used correctly, it can:
- Expand your treatment options
- Improve your financial recovery
- Make the process smoother
If you have questions about your coverage, we are here to walk you through it.
Request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
Or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
In pain? Call Shane.
📞 980-999-9999
