Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents

Skilled Car Crash Lawyers Assisting Injured Individuals on Cape Cod

The car crash attorneys at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III have dedicated their careers to representing accident victims across Cape Cod since 1994. We understand the pain and stress that these unexpected events cause people and their families, particularly when the drivers who are responsible lack the insurance coverage to be held liable for their actions. Our lawyers are adept at dealing with insurers, and we aim to resolve these matters in a way that fully compensates our clients for the injuries and property damage that they endured.

State Insurance Coverage Requirements

Massachusetts law requires all drivers to carry a minimal amount of auto insurance, including at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for collisions that cause bodily injury. Sometimes, however, people refuse to do so or allow their insurance policies to lapse. In other instances, the minimal insurance required may not be enough to cover the injuries and other damage caused in a crash. This is why the state also requires motorists to carry the same amount of coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Seeking Compensation After a Collision

Just because an individual does not have insurance or has an inadequate amount of it does not mean that he or she completely lacks assets. If an injured person can show that the uninsured or underinsured driver was careless, he or she may be able to recover damages directly from that person. Motorists are generally required to exercise a reasonable amount of care behind the wheel and are likely to be found negligent when they cause an accident by failing to do so. If your damages for doctor’s bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and other types of harm exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage, you can sue that person directly to obtain the difference. The problem, especially in uninsured motorist cases, is that many of these drivers are likely to be “judgment proof” in that they lack the money or assets to pay.

If you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you will probably have to seek some or all of the compensation that you need from your own insurer. State law requires insurance companies to act with “candor and fairness” in handling claims. This standard is usually interpreted by courts to mean “good faith.” It obligates the insurer to work actively to settle claims and avoid protracted, costly, and often unnecessary litigation.

In theory, this should be straightforward. If you have paid for insurance coverage for circumstances like these, and you have been involved in an accident, you deserve to receive benefits for expenses like medical costs and vehicle repairs. However, insurance companies are often less than willing to pay out these claims and regularly try to limit the amount of benefits that they pay. This makes it important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney as soon as possible in these cases.

Consult a Massachusetts Attorney for Your Auto Accident Case

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we have more than 146 years of combined experience fighting for individuals hurt in a wide variety of motor vehicle collisions. We are intimately familiar with the legal issues that often arise in these cases, and we fully understand the strategies that insurance companies regularly use to limit or avoid paying out claims. Founding partner John C. Manoog III began his legal career working for an insurance defense firm, giving him valuable insight that has helped the firm resolve many cases on favorable terms.

Our auto accident lawyers offer free consultations from our Massachusetts offices, conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth. We are also willing to travel to you if you are unable to make it to us. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.