Understanding Insurance Stacking in Car Accident Cases
One important concept for drivers and accident victims to understand is insurance stacking. Stacking allows you to combine multiple insurance policies to increase the total coverage available after a car accident. This can be especially helpful when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term rehabilitation costs.
For example, imagine you were injured while driving a friend’s car, and the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t fully cover your expenses. In this scenario, you may be able to use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in addition to your friend’s UM/UIM policy. By combining these policies, you can potentially access a much higher total amount of compensation, helping you recover more fully from the accident.
It’s important to note that not all insurance policies allow stacking. The ability to stack policies depends on the specific language in your insurance contract and the type of coverage purchased. This is why consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is critical. They can carefully review your insurance policies, determine whether UM/UIM coverage is available, and advise if stacking is possible in your case.
Working with a skilled attorney ensures you are exploring every possible avenue for recovery and maximizing the compensation you are legally entitled to. Whether it’s covering medical bills, lost income, or future rehabilitation costs, knowing your rights and options under your insurance policies can make a significant difference after a car accident.
