Understanding Your Insurance Coverage After a Car Accident

July 28, 2025

Car accidents can leave you with not only physical injuries but also a mountain of questions—especially when it comes to your insurance coverage. Understanding the different types of coverage available to you can make a huge difference in how you navigate accident claims and secure the compensation you deserve.

In this post, we’ll explain the key types of car insurance coverage and how they apply in the aftermath of an accident.

1. Liability Coverage:

Liability insurance is mandatory in most states, and it’s designed to cover damages that you cause to others in an accident. There are two key components of liability coverage:

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): This pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of the other party if you are at fault in the accident.
Property Damage Liability (PDL): This covers the cost to repair or replace the other party’s property (such as their vehicle) that was damaged in the accident.

It’s important to note that liability insurance only covers the other party’s expenses if you’re found to be at fault; it does not cover your own medical bills or vehicle repairs.

2. Collision Coverage:

Collision coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This type of coverage is especially useful if the accident involves a single car (e.g., if you hit a tree or guardrail) or if the other driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your vehicle’s damage.

How it works: You’ll file a claim with your own insurance company, and after paying your deductible, the insurance will cover the cost of repairs or vehicle replacement up to the policy’s limit.

If you’re financing or leasing your car, collision coverage is often required by the lender.

3. Comprehensive Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage provides protection for damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. This includes events like:

Theft
Vandalism
Natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes)
Fire
Damage caused by animals

Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, subject to your deductible. It’s an optional add-on, but it can save you from paying out-of-pocket for non-accident-related damage.

4. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay):

Medical payments coverage, often referred to as MedPay, helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage can be especially helpful if you don’t have health insurance or if your health insurance doesn’t cover all accident-related medical expenses.

What it covers: Medical bills, hospital visits, surgery, X-rays, and sometimes even funeral expenses.
Why it matters: MedPay is particularly useful in “no-fault” situations, where each driver’s own insurance covers their injuries, regardless of who caused the accident.

Unlike other types of coverage, MedPay is relatively inexpensive to add to your policy, and it can provide valuable financial protection after an accident.

5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

While it’s required by law for drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows the rules. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protect you in the event you’re in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or lacks enough coverage to pay for your damages.

Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you’re hit by a driver without insurance.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage isn’t enough to cover the full extent of your damages.

These types of coverage also typically extend to hit-and-run accidents, ensuring that you’re not left financially vulnerable if the responsible driver flees the scene.

Understanding Your Policy and Potential Compensation

The key to navigating your insurance after a car accident is understanding exactly what your policy covers. Here are some steps to help you better understand your coverage:

Review your policy documents: Look for the declarations page of your insurance policy. This will show you the types of coverage you have, the policy limits, and any deductibles that apply.
Check your state’s minimum coverage requirements: Each state sets its own minimum requirements for liability insurance. Make sure your coverage meets these requirements, but also consider whether the minimum coverage will be enough to protect you in a serious accident.
Ask your insurance agent for clarification: If you’re unsure about what your policy covers, reach out to your insurance agent or provider. They can explain the details of your coverage and help you assess whether you have enough protection.
Consider additional coverage: If you don’t have comprehensive, collision, MedPay, or uninsured motorist coverage, consider adding these options to your policy for greater protection.

Have Questions About Your Insurance Coverage? Contact Us Today!

If you’ve been in an accident and are unsure about your insurance coverage, our team at Floyd Personal Injury Law Group is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and get the answers you need to protect your rights and secure compensation.

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Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group

By jeff • December 24, 2025

What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.