Atlanta Car Accident Attorney

Car Accident Terms and Definitions

Medical Payments Coverage (MPC)
This is a type of insurance available to car accident victims through their own insurance policy. This no-fault insurance will pay for your medical expenses if you are in a car accident. Consult your insurance policy to determine the amount of PIP coverage that you have.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This insurance coverage is available to you through your car insurer. If you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can usually make a claim against your insurance company who will then “step into the shoes” of the at-fault driver. You should consult your insurance policy to determine if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If an at-fault party does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate you fully, you may also have a claim under your underinsured motorist coverage.

Independent Medical Examination
Your car insurance company may ask that you undergo a medical examination at which time a doctor of the insurer’s choosing will examine you. Many times these examinations are required or permitted as part of your policy or contract with the insurance company. If you file a lawsuit, the defense lawyer may also ask you to submit to a similar examination. An attorney can advise you of your rights under both circumstances.

Insurance Bad Faith
Bad faith is a term that refers to an insurance companies failure to live up to the terms of its agreement with its insured. In Georgia, insurance companies are required to act in good faith when paying or handling claims. If you suspect that your insurer or another insurance company is acting in bad faith, consult an attorney who can provide a recommendation regarding your options in regard to insurance bad faith.

Subrogation
This term refers to the right that most insurance companies have to recover for expenses incurred as a result of a third party’s actions. For example, your health insurer may have a right to recover the costs spent to pay medical bills that resulted after you are rear-ended. The right of subrogation is contractual and based upon the provisions of your insurance policy.