If you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might assume you’ll be fairly compensated. But the reality is more complicated. Even if liability is clear, the amount you recover often depends on something else entirely—whether the person or business responsible has the right kind of insurance. Without adequate coverage, you may not receive enough to cover medical bills, lost income, or long-term care needs. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we help injured clients throughout Contra Costa County understand how insurance works and how to get the most out of what’s available.
Who Pays a Personal Injury Settlement?
When someone causes an injury, it’s usually their insurance company that pays for the damages, not the individual personally. The type of insurance depends on the situation. For example:
- In a car crash, it’s the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
- In a slip and fall, it might be a homeowner’s or business’s liability insurance.
- For work-related injuries, it could involve a company’s commercial policy.
California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage: $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injuries or death to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage. Those amounts may barely scratch the surface in a serious crash. If the person who hurt you has little or no insurance, it becomes much harder to collect the full amount you’re owed. We work to uncover every possible source of coverage that might apply.
Why the Quality of Insurance Coverage Matters
Not all insurance policies are created equal. Some have high limits and cover a wide range of harm, while others barely meet the legal minimum. The more coverage available, the more likely you’ll receive full and fair compensation.
If the liable party has a strong policy, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain, emotional distress, and life changes
- Long-term disability or caregiving expenses
But if they have minimal or expired coverage—or none at all—there’s a risk that you’ll be left with unpaid bills. In some cases, your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help make up the difference. This is part of your auto policy, and it’s worth checking whether it applies in your case.
When we represent you, we look beyond the obvious policy and dig deeper. Sometimes, umbrella policies or employer liability coverage may apply, and we know how to find them.
What Happens When There’s Not Enough Insurance?
When someone doesn’t carry enough insurance, injured victims face an uphill battle. Even if a court finds the defendant responsible, collecting money from an individual who lacks insurance or assets is challenging.
In California, there are laws that protect a portion of a person’s wages and their primary residence from being taken to satisfy a court judgment. So, even if you win in court, it may be difficult to ever collect from the at-fault party outside of insurance. That’s why it’s important to work with a legal team that knows where to look. We assess every angle to make sure nothing is left on the table.
How We Help You Maximize What You’re Owed
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we don’t stop at the first policy we see. We examine the full picture, identifying additional parties who may share liability or policies that might provide extra coverage. That includes:
- Employer insurance for drivers or workers on the job
- Umbrella liability policies that kick in above standard limits
- Property or premises liability policies
We also handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If the coverage is there, we’ll find it. If it’s not, we’ll explain your legal options clearly and fight to secure the compensation you deserve from every available source.
Insurance Coverage Can Shape Your Outcome
When someone causes harm, the kind of insurance they carry can make or break your recovery. We understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to help you pursue every dollar you’re entitled to. If you’ve been injured and want to know what options are available, contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook for a free consultation.