“How much is my case worth?” is one of the questions the victims of auto accidents ask us after an auto accident. They don’t ask this question because they are greedy; they ask it because a personal injury claim is the best way to obtain the financial resources needed to get better and be made whole again for damages they have suffered through no fault of their own.

It is helpful to think about personal injury claims as insurance claims when determining their potential monetary value. Just as you cannot wring water from a stone, you cannot collect on insurance coverage that does not exist or is unidentified.

Continue reading to learn more about the different sources of coverage that may be available after a motor vehicle accident.

The At-Fault Party’s Auto Insurance

The most obvious place to look is the at-fault party’s insurance coverage in an auto accident. For example, this could be a personal policy held by a driver or a company policy such as a transportation company that provides insurance coverage for its professional drivers. It may be possible to pursue financial resources from multiple policies in some cases.

Your Own Auto Insurance

If the driver responsible for your injuries left the scene, lacks insurance entirely, or doesn’t carry enough coverage to make you whole, you may be able to collect from your coverage. That’s why underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM) coverage exists. UM coverage can make all the difference in hit-and-run cases and other cases where insurance is scarce.

The best course of action after an auto accident is to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who can inform you of your rights and pursue all available coverage for your losses.