If you’re ever injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to a number of benefits. Most people aren’t aware of these benefits unless they’ve consulted an attorney. These entitlements could make a considerable financial difference, although in some cases you must comply with specific requirements. Below are some of the entitlements you may be due after a car collision.

Post-Accident Benefits You May Be Able to Collect

Vexatious Refusal to Pay

According to the 2005 Missouri Revised Statutes, if your insurance company denies your claim without proper justification and refuses for more than 30 days to pay you what you are owed, you can sue them. In this situation, an experienced attorney can help you prepare your case. If you win, you'll be entitled to have them pay not only the original amount you asked for, but up to 20% more on the first $1,500 of the claim and 10% additional on any remaining amounts. You'll also be entitled to retrieve the reasonable cost of any attorney fees.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In an "at-fault" insurance state like Missouri, the insurance company of the at-fault driver pays for damages to the other vehicle. However, in cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have enough coverage to pay for your damages and medical treatments, you could be left out-of-pocket for the uninsured amounts, That's why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which covers the uninsured amount, is so essential. However, even if you have such coverage, you must follow some particular guidelines if you wish to collect it. For instance, you must notify your insurer and get their written consent before setting with the other party or their insurer. You must also exhaust the other party's insurance resources before asking your insurer for the difference. If you are unfamiliar with the rules governing these types of transactions, it's important to seek the assistance of an experienced auto accident attorney.

To hire a proven personal injury attorney, contact Henry & Williams P.C., a respected law firm in West Plains, MO. Their three lawyers have more than 75 years of combined legal experience. They are members of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and were named by the National Trial Lawyers Association among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the country. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (417) 256-8133 to schedule a consultation.