The difference between first-party and third-party insurance is:
- First-party insurance refers to your own insurance
- Third-party insurance refers to another person’s insurance
These terms may be most applicable to traffic accident cases. However, they may apply to other personal injury cases as well.
What does first-party insurance cover?
Insurance may not provide the compensation that you deserve. Sometimes, some insurers refuse to pay business interruption claims resulting from COVID-19, as it is the case with Zurich insurance claim. Overall, insurance companies do not work for your benefit, and you need competent legal representatives to sort things out – sometimes, to sue the insurance company itself. Some potential hurdles to a fair insurance settlement are:
- Damage to your property (like a vehicle)
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation for injuries
- Death benefits (in some cases)
- Lost income (in some cases)
- Bodily harm and property damage for third parties
These coverages are specific to auto insurance. One question our attorneys answer often is why is uninsured motorist coverage important? To put things into perspective, this type of coverage is of utmost importance when you need to pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance. If such a driver causes you material damages or injuries, this policy helps you pay for the costs. More importantly, UIM pays for your passengers’ medical bills too. Other types of first-party insurance may provide similar types of coverage.
What does third-party insurance cover?
Third-party insurance generally applies in traffic accident cases.
When you make a third-party insurance claim, you make it with another person’s insurance company. These claims may also be necessary when:
- You suffer an injury on another person’s property
- You are the victim of medical malpractice
- You are injured because of someone’s actions and that person has insurance
Our team can explain whether a third-party insurance claim makes sense for you. Successful claims may cover the same types of losses as first-party insurance.
Are you eligible for insurance coverage?
Your eligibility for insurance coverage depends on your specific circumstances. You may file a first-party claim if your own insurance applies. Your own insurance may generally provide some coverage for a car accident.
You may file a third-party insurance claim when:
- You suffer losses beyond your own insurance coverage limits
- You do not have insurance that covers your injury circumstances
If you are injured on a dangerous premises, for example, then you likely do not have first-party insurance coverage. The owner of that premises may have third-party insurance that covers your losses. Other circumstances may warrant a third-party insurance claim. We can review your case and provide legal advice.
What if insurance does not cover your losses?
Insurance may not provide the compensation that you deserve. Some potential hurdles to a fair insurance settlement are:
- Bad faith by your insurance company
- Bad faith by a third-party insurer
- Disagreement about the facts of your accident
Insurance companies thrive by paying as little as possible to victims. If insurance does not provide adequate coverage, you may sue for fair compensation.
What does a lawsuit cover?
A lawsuit may cover the same losses as an insurance claim, and more. In addition to medical costs and property damage, a successful lawsuit may cover:
- Temporary transportation
- Mental health counseling
- Medications
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost productivity
- Other economic and non-economic losses
A lawsuit can provide broader coverage than an insurance claim. You may be able to file a lawsuit even if you are entitled to insurance coverage.
Can our firm help?
Our team can help with both an insurance claim and a lawsuit. We know the difference between first-party insurance versus third-party insurance. We will explain whether these claims are appropriate for your case.
We help with your claim by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy
- Reviewing the third-party insurance policy
- Determining what amount of compensation you deserve
- Dealing directly with insurance companies
- Advising you on any settlement offers that you receive
Insurance companies have ample resources. We will protect you from unfair offers and intimidation tactics. We will also handle any necessary lawsuits.
How we can help with a lawsuit
Our team can complete your lawsuit. We have handled many lawsuits prior to yours, and this experience may be a benefit to you. We complete lawsuits by:
- Determining liability for your losses
- Drafting legal paperwork
- Submitting your lawsuit before deadlines expire
- Gathering evidence
- Documenting your losses
- Calculating the cost of your losses
- Initiating settlement talks
- Going to trial if necessary
We also consider your health. We help you arrange medical care. We can also arrange transportation to medical appointments.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine?
You can hire our firm at no upfront cost. Our fee is contingent on winning your case. If you do not collect compensation, then you do not pay us. You will not have to dip into your own finances to hire our team. This is one of the benefits of the contingency-fee pay structure.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today
We understand what it takes to complete an insurance claim or lawsuit. Let us complete your case while you recover. You worry about getting better. We take care of everything else.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation. Do not wait to call about your case. There could be time-sensitive deadlines that affect your eligibility for a lawsuit.
