If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident, you’re probably dealing with a lot—medical bills, lost wages, pain, and a whole lot of stress. And just when you think things can’t get more frustrating, the insurance company tells you, “That’s all we can pay. It’s the policy limit.”
But what if the money they’re offering doesn’t even come close to covering what you’ve lost? Can you go after more? The short answer is yes, in certain situations, it is possible to collect damages beyond the insurance policy limits.
First, What Are Policy Limits?
Every insurance policy has a maximum amount it will pay out. These are called policy limits. For example, if someone who caused your car accident has a $50,000 bodily injury liability limit, that’s the most their insurance company is contractually obligated to pay—even if your damages are much higher.
This limit can apply to different kinds of insurance too—auto, homeowners, business, you name it. Once that cap is hit, insurance companies usually won’t pay a dime more unless there’s a really good legal reason to push them.
When Damages Exceed the Insurance Limit
Here’s the reality: severe injuries often cost way more than what an insurance policy will cover. We’re talking long hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and not being able to work for months or even years.
For example, let’s say you were hit by a distracted driver and suffered a spinal injury. Your medical bills alone could easily run into six figures. If their insurance only covers $100,000, but your total damages are closer to $300,000, you’re looking at a serious gap. So, what can you do?
How You Might Be Able to Recover More
Even if the insurance company has maxed out what it’ll pay, you still have options. This is where having a sharp personal injury attorney in Worcester really matters. Here are a few possible ways to go after more compensation:
1. Sue the At-Fault Party Personally
If the person who caused your injury has significant personal assets—like property, savings, or investments—you can file a lawsuit against them directly. If you win, a court might order them to pay the amount above the insurance policy. Of course, if they don’t have much, there may not be anything to collect. That’s why a Worcester personal injury lawyer will help you assess whether this is worth pursuing.
2. Look for Other Liable Parties
Sometimes, more than one person or entity shares responsibility. For example, in a truck accident, the driver, the trucking company, and even the parts manufacturer might be at fault. More parties = more insurance policies = more money potentially available.
3. Check for Umbrella or Excess Insurance
Some individuals and businesses carry umbrella insurance policies. These kick in when the basic policy maxes out. If this kind of coverage exists, your lawyer can go after it.
4. Use Your Own Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you were injured in a car accident, your own auto policy might have something called underinsured motorist coverage. This can help bridge the gap when the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough.
5. Negotiate a Structured Settlement
In some cases, a defendant might agree to pay the remaining damages over time in installments. This can be a win-win—especially if they don’t have the cash to pay a large lump sum right away.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Knows Worcester
Massachusetts law is complicated when it comes to personal injury claims. And going after compensation beyond policy limits isn’t something most people can pull off on their own. You need someone who knows the system, understands the local courts, and isn’t afraid to push back against big insurance companies.
That’s where a seasoned Worcester personal injury lawyer comes in. They can investigate all possible sources of compensation, handle the paperwork, talk to insurance adjusters, and build a case that puts pressure on the other side to pay what’s fair.
More importantly, they know when to settle—and when to fight.
A Few Questions People Often Ask
Can I sue even if the insurance company already paid out the policy limit?
Yes. Accepting the policy limit doesn’t always mean you’ve waived your right to go after more, especially if you didn’t sign a full release or there are other liable parties.
What if the person I want to sue has no money?
If they’re truly “judgment proof” (meaning they don’t have assets to seize), suing them may not be worth it. Your lawyer can help investigate their financial situation before you commit to a lawsuit.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Getting hurt because of someone else’s carelessness is hard enough. But being told you can’t be fully compensated because of some insurance fine print? That’s even worse. The truth is, insurance policy limits are just the starting point—not the final word.
If you’ve been injured and feel like the insurance company’s offer doesn’t even begin to cover what you’ve lost, talk to a personal injury attorney in Worcester. You might have more options than you think—and you deserve to explore every one of them.
Final Thoughts
Just because the insurance company says “that’s all we’re paying” doesn’t mean the story ends there. If your damages go beyond what insurance covers, you may be able to collect more—but it takes the right legal strategy and the right support.
A skilled Worcester personal injury lawyer can guide you through every step, uncover additional avenues for compensation, and fight to make sure you’re not left holding the bag for someone else’s mistake.
