Auto Insurance Claims: Filing a claim, underinsured motorist coverage, auto insurance policy

Question
Hello Sir,

My best friends 5 Y.O. daughter was involved in a tragic accident in which my friends brother accidentally ran over her with his truck. She survived but sustained severe pelvic injuries and numerous skin injuries to her back and arms. She has been home from the hospital about 1.5 weeks, my friend has been receiving calls from his brothers insurance adjuster. This adjuster suggests that my friend file a claim against his own auto insurance policy. The accident happened on property that is not owned by my friend and none of my friends vehicles were involved. This suggestion by the adjuster seems odd. I told my friend to read his policy closely and see if there is a clause that could possibly cover his daughter. Incidentally, both my friend and his brother have the same insurance company. I am not sure I should divulge which company it is since this is still an open "case". Does the suggestion by the adjuster seem odd? I feel they are quite possibly trying to get this closed as soon as possible to save as much money as possible. My friends daughter is going to need on going Physical Therapy. Can you please advise? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Kevin

Answer
Hi Kevin,

Your friends daughter will likely be entitled to much more than the brothers policy limit. It is possible depending on the state, that the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of your friends policy may be in play here. This is additional coverage that may be available beyond the policy limit of the brothers policy.

Your friend should ask the adjuster for a written detailed explanation of the amount of the settlement being offered along with the details of which policy is paying how much and from what coverage.

Once he receives this information, he may want to arrange a meeting with an attorney to go over the offer and explanation to be sure he is receiving all of the compensation available to him. It may not be necessary to actually hire the attorney to rpresent him, but simply to pay for an hour or two of the attorney's time to review the offer and provide explanation and advice.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh