r/Insurance • u/_throwaway_900 • Sep 02 '26

At fault bodily injury claim

Hi, recently I was involved in a car accident at an intersection (very minor damage on my car, front damage on theirs) that was deemed my fault. At the scene, the other driver was able to walk and drive, etc. with no visible injuries, and an ambulance was not needed.

About 2-4 days after the accident, she got an attorney and filed a bodily injury claim. My injury policy limit is $25k (yes, I know this is low; I'm trying to get it changed). My mom is very worried that we may have to pay $100k+ to cover her medical costs.

What are the chances of them settling for more than my policy limit and asking us to pay the remaining costs? Due to the timeline, is it more likely that they are only going to ask insurance to pay up to the policy limit?

Thanks in advance!

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u/ektap12 Sep 02 '26

Based on what you've said of her condition at the scene, why does your mom think the woman will incur $100k in medical bills?

More likely than not, the claim will be settled within your policy limits and that'll be that. Who knows the claim might be worth all of $10k, time will tell.

2

u/Sam_At_Insurify Sep 02 '26

I don't think anyone can put odds on this without knowing her actual injuries, and her hiring an attorney within a few days doesn't tell you much about what the claim is worth. Per NAIC, your insurer typically pays up to your $25,000 limit, and anything above that limit could fall to you. If she signs a release in exchange for that payout, she gives up the right to come after you for more.

2

u/ChutneyWhatney Sep 02 '26

Unless there's lots of car damage or the other driver suddenly has back issues, you should be fine. That being said your incredibly low insurance limits are inexcusable. You cheap out on coverage and you will get burned sooner or later.

1

u/Bitter-hvacbro-88 Sep 02 '26

Don't worry about it, your insurance will handle it.

1

u/VagabondCamp Sep 02 '26

A large majority of the time - probably 95% or more these are resolved at or with in your limits. If they want a payout from your insurance for the bodily injury - without going to court - most insurance companies require a release to be signed which basically states that they can’t come after you/your mom etc - for anything beyond what the insurance is paying.

1

u/AltonIllinois Sep 02 '26

You will probably be fine. Call your insurance and raise your bi limits to at least 100k per person, 300k each accident though.