Should I hire a lawyer regarding an accident that may take us above our policy limits?
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Should I hire a lawyer regarding an accident that may take us above our policy limits?
My wife was in a wreck with her at fault. Passenger in other vehicle is in hospital with injuries pertaining to a pre-existing heart condition but putting the blame on the accident. Our insurance company has informed us that the bill could go above our policy limit and may take years to figure out.
Asked on December 13, 2011 under Personal Injury, Mississippi
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you are not actually sued by the other party or by an insurer seeking reimbursement of what it's paid out for the accident, you don't need an attorney--it does not matter what the potential damages are unless and until someone brings a legal action to try to collect from you.
At whatever time you sued, you would clearly need an attorney. If you have already by then exceed your policy limits, your insurer will not pay for or provide the lawyer--you'll need to get your own attorney. You could hire the lawyer in advance, but then you will also start paying him or her in advance.
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