Legal Question in Personal Injury in Ohio

Disclosing auto policy limits

18 year old son was involved in an auto accident with an unlicensed, uninsured driver(car's owner doesn't appear to have insurance either). Lawyer representing passengers is requesting me to give permission for my insurance company to reveal my policy limits. Liability for the accident has not been determined, but may be my son's.

Should I reveal policy limits? Why?

As the owner of the car, do I have to be concerned about liability since my son is 18 and had a clean driving record?

Is there any reason for me or my son to seek legal representation?

Should I trust MY insurance company's adjuster?

Thanks.


Asked on 8/24/02, 1:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Melissa Lipchak Melissa R. Lipchak, Attorney at Law

Re: Disclosing auto policy limits

I would give permission to your insurance company to reveal the policy limits. If the liability coverage is not sufficient to compensate all the injuries of the passengers, they may have to seek underinsured motorist benefits. If the passengers were to file a lawsuit, the amount of liability coverage would be disclosed at that point in time. If your son is liable for the accident, his liability insurance would provide coverage. I do not know if he has a separate policy from yours or is on the same policy. If he is on the same policy, then you need to look at the policy to see if it will pay both liability and underinsured motorist coverage. If he is on a separate policy, your policy would provide coverage for the vehicle, but you would not have any personal liability since it does not appear that you negligently entrusted the vehicle to your son. I would not necessarily get an attorney at this point unless you feel that your insurance company is not acting in your best interest. Any further questions, please contact me.

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Answered on 8/26/02, 9:01 am


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