You’ve been in a car crash, and you’re hurt – which is bad enough. However, that’s not where the trouble ends. The other driver’s insurance company seems determined to delay, deny or utterly devalue your claim – even though you know that the other driver is entirely responsible for the crash.
What happens now? You need to get your medical needs met, your car repairs and your other losses covered, and you don’t exactly have the ability to wait around for the next couple of years until your claim is settled to get things done.
This is where subrogation may come into play
Subrogation clauses are very common in auto insurance policies. Essentially, it’s a fail-safe program that shifts the expenses associated with your car crash to the at-fault driver (and their insurer).
If your insurer agrees that you are not at fault for the car accident, they may cover your medical needs, your car repairs and some other expenses and then pursue compensation for what they’ve spent from the other insurance company involved. Usually, you’ll still have to pay the deductible associated with your own policy. However, you may get that back when the claim is finally settled.
While this may not solve all of the problems associated with your crash, it can give you some peace of mind to know that your basic needs will be met and you can start getting back on your feet – while you’re still free to pursue a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a collision, find out more about your legal options for recovery.