Auto Insurance Claims

PIP vs UM/UIM Coverage

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on August 12, 2020

In the state of Washington, insurance agents and brokers are required to offer two types of coverage to anyone purchasing an auto insurance policy—personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. You are not required to carry either under state law, however, they may offer huge advantages in an accident, especially if you need coverage for your injuries. Although both PIP and UM/UIM insurance provide protection if another driver hits you, there are differences between these two types of coverage that accident victims need to be aware of.

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Liability Insurance and Rental Vehicles

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 15, 2020

After an accident involving a rental vehicle, it might not be immediately clear which insurance policies apply. You are likely in a lot of pain, confused, and stressed out about finding the funds to cover the costs of your injuries, as well as any damage to your own vehicle if you were hit by a rental car. Luckily, there are several insurance policies that may apply to your situation and can provide coverage after a collision.

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Compensation Available After a Seattle Car Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 13, 2016

When you’ve been injured in a Seattle car accident, your first priority should be to focus on your recovery. However, that can be difficult to do when you know there are mounting medical bills and little to no money coming in because of time off work. That’s when you may start to think about getting compensation for your ordeal. Read the rest »

How Do I File a Claim Against a Seattle Hit and Run Driver?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on March 1, 2016

When you’re in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may wish to seek compensation by filing a claim against the negligent driver. But, what do you do when you were the victim of a “hit and run” in which the other driver fled the scene before you could get their contact information?

While getting the compensation you need can be tougher when it’s a hit and run driver at fault, it’s not impossible. Start by contacting an experienced Seattle hit and run accident lawyer who can work with you. Then, keep these tips in mind: Read the rest »

Five Reasons Why You Should Not Trust Insurance Companies

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on February 5, 2014

Insurance companies spend a lot of money on branding. They want you, the consumer, to think of their companies as helpful, kind, and supportive. Of course, it is absolutely necessary to secure insurance, and you will regret not having insurance if you are ever involved in an accident. However, many insurance providers are extremely profitable because they know how to deny claims and how to protect their bottom line. In other words, insurance companies tend to prioritize themselves over the consumer.

While it is not advisable to be exceedingly distrustful of everyone and everything, it is wise to exercise a healthy amount of caution when dealing with a business. Here are five reasons why you should not fully trust your insurance company: Read the rest »

Dealing with Your Insurance Company after a Car Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on January 10, 2013

If you have been injured in a car accident, it may be several days before you recover physically and emotionally, as it is an extremely traumatic experience. However, it is difficult to escape dealing with your insurance company in the days after your car accident. You may not only have to talk to your own insurance company, but also to insurance adjusters for other parties who may want to get a variety of information from you. It is critical that you are careful about what you say, what you sign, and what information you provide to these insurance companies. Your actions in these matters can significantly affect your personal injury claim.

What every accident victim should remember is that an insurance company is not your friend. Insurance companies remain profitable by not paying claims that are filed. Insurance adjusters are paid and trained by these companies to find ways and means to prevent paying you. They will go the extra mile to find out information about you and the case that will be advantageous to them. Their goal is to minimize the value of your claim or find ways to deny it. Read the rest »

How Do Washington’s Auto Insurance Requirements Affect You after a Crash?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 17, 2012

Like many states, Washington requires drivers to carry certain minimum types and amounts of auto insurance. This insurance is intended to cover basic costs like injuries and property damage if you are involved in a Washington auto accident.

Currently, Washington’s required minimums for auto insurance include:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury,
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and
• $10,000 per accident for property damage. Read the rest »

Vehicle “Black Boxes” May Provide Additional Information in Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 19, 2011

Many people are familiar with the “black box” in airplanes that records information about the plane’s speed, direction, and other information that can help investigators determined what happened in case of a crash. However, many passenger cars, trucks, and vans are now being made with a similar “black box” that may someday help investigators unravel what happened in a car crash as well.

Known as event data recorders, or EDRs for short, vehicle “black boxes” are already available in 65 to 90 percent of vehicles manufactured during or after 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). EDRs are expected to become standard on all vehicles created in model year 2011 or later, when federal regulations will also require automakers to explain to vehicle owners that their vehicle contains an EDR and where the device is. Most new cars include this information in the owners’ manual. The EDR itself is frequently installed under the driver’s seat with other computerized safety components, such as the module that operates the air bags. Read the rest »

Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Talks About How to Work with Insurance Companies

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 9, 2010

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be complicated and confusing.

One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, issues is how to deal with insurance companies after you have been injured in an accident – your company and the defendant’s company. Understand that insurance companies are for-profit corporations. They make money by taking in premiums for their policies and then paying out as little as possible in claims under those policies. Read the rest »