$130,000 - Multiple Injuries Due to Accident Caused by Drunk Driver

Jim and his co-workers were in Seattle on a business trip. While on their way back to their hotel, Jim’s car was hit by a drunk driver. Jim suffered a fractured rib and a separated shoulder, among many other injuries. The drunk driver was only insured for up to $25,000. But because Jim was in a rental car, attorney Bill Coats was able to make an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim against the rental car insurance policy. Initially the insurance company insisted that the UIM policy was for only $25,000. However, Bill Coats pointed out that because the rental car agreement allowed for $100,000 liability insurance, they therefore had to offer $100,000 for UIM claims as well. After threatening a suit against the insurance company for violating Washington’s Fair Insurance Conduct Act, they agreed to $25,000 in UIM coverage, and also agreed to pay the full $100,000 to compensate Jim. In addition, Jim’s own insurance company agreed to pay $5,000, for a total recovery of $130,000. Barry v. Rice (2009)