Car accidents are stressful and can lead to all kinds of injuries, financial challenges, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Washington State due to another driver’s reckless or careless behavior, you are entitled to seek a car accident settlement through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. But what if the other driver has no insurance or the bare minimum required under state law? Does minimum car insurance coverage Washington State protect injured people? While it may seem reasonable to assume that a driver carrying “full coverage” insurance will have a large enough policy to cover your losses, in Washington State, “full coverage” doesn’t always mean full protection*. If you were hit by a negligent driver, it’s important to understand what their insurance—and yours—actually covers and speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
*If you are deciding what insurance coverage to purchase, it is highly recommended to choose a plan that is above the mandatory minimum insurance coverage required by Washington State law to protect yourself in the event of an accident. The best part is that increasing coverage often doesn’t cost that much more. Look into your options with a reputable insurance agent.
What is the Mandatory Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Washington State Law?
First, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: “full coverage” isn’t a specific type of policy. It usually means that the driver carries the minimum required liability insurance, plus optional coverage like collision and comprehensive. But the state’s required minimums may not be enough to fully cover your injuries or losses.
In Washington, the minimum liability coverage required by law is:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person
- $50,000 total for injuries to two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage
That might sound like a lot, but medical bills add up fast. If your injuries are serious, there is a good chance that the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t cover your losses, leaving you responsible for the rest unless you have other coverage options.
What Happens If the Driver Who Hit Me Has Minimum Coverage?
If the driver who caused your accident only carries Washington’s minimum insurance amounts, and your expenses go beyond their policy limits, it can be harder to recover a fair settlement. This is because, regardless of the extent of your losses, their insurer will only pay up to the policy limits. Beyond that, you may need to rely on your own insurance or take legal action.
This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can help. These are optional add-ons in Washington State, but they can make a big difference after a crash:
- PIP helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, no matter who caused the accident.
- UM/UIM helps cover your losses if the other driver has no insurance or not enough to pay for everything.
If you carry either of these coverages, your own insurance company may step in to cover your bills. But even then, you may still need help from an experienced, local car accident attorney to get the full compensation you deserve.
Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?
Technically, it is possible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver in an attempt to recover additional compensation beyond insurance limits. The challenge is that not all drivers have the personal assets to pay a judgment. If you are stuck in a situation where the at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits combined with your own insurance policy limits doesn’t cover your losses, it is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you look at all possible sources of compensation, including the driver’s employer (if they were on the job) or a vehicle manufacturer (if something went wrong with the car).
If you’ve been injured in a crash – particularly one with a driver who only has the bare minimum in coverage – don’t guess about your options or accept the first offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you get the care and compensation you need to move forward.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
