Blake Williams, PGH Attorney, has just settled a lawsuit involving a car wreck that occurred in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.  The accident occurred while Blake’s client was stopped in northbound traffic on McFarland Boulevard and was rear-ended.  The collision caused Blake’s client to experience shoulder pain, chest pain and headaches.  The shoulder pain progressed even after having injections and Blake’s client was diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear and was referred to physical therapy.  When this did not help, she went to an orthopedic surgeon who, after ordering an MRI, prescribed a shoulder abduction sling to immobilize the shoulder.  When the pain continued after this, the surgeon elected to proceed with surgery.  After surgery, the surgeon ordered another round of physical therapy, which Blake’s client completed.

After sending a demand letter to the adverse driver’s insurance carrier, Blake was able to settle that claim for the policy limits.  However, this amount did not fully compensate Blake’s client for her injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress the accident had caused.  Therefore, Blake sent a demand letter to his client’s insurer asking for uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits for which her policy provided. When the insurance company did not make a satisfactory settlement offer, Blake filed a lawsuit against his client’s uninsured/underinsured motorist carrier.  Fortunately, Blake was able to negotiate a favorable settlement without the need for a trial. 

PGH always takes this opportunity to advise the public to purchase uninsured/underinsured (UIM) coverage when purchasing your automobile insurance. This coverage is relatively inexpensive and we have had hundreds of cases where this coverage definitely helped compensate our clients.  Remember, the state law requires only $25,000 in liability coverage.  Oftentimes this amount will not compensate someone who has been seriously injured in a car wreck.  If you are injured by another driver, whether you are driving your vehicle or are a pedestrian, and that driver does not have insurance, your insurance company will pay for your injuries. Within uninsured motorist coverage is underinsured motorist coverage. This applies when you are injured by another driver, whether you are driving your vehicle or are a pedestrian, and that driver has insurance, but does not have enough insurance to adequately compensate you for your injuries.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, call Prince Glover Hayes for a free consultation.