Accidental Death and Dismemberment (also called AD&D) insurance is a type of insurance policy rider which is supplemental to either a health insurance or life insurance policy. It provides financial compensation in the event of an insured person’s death or dismemberment due to an accident. If the insured either dies in an accident or loses the use of a body part or function (i.e., loss of a limb, eyesight, speech, or hearing), the insurance company may pay benefits up to a covered amount.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured (or if a loved one has died) in an accident in New Mexico and you have AD&D insurance, you may be wondering if the policy will be enough to cover your expenses. If the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may also be wondering if you can file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Learn more about AD&D insurance and compensation after an injury from the New Mexico personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
What AD&D Insurance Will and Won’t Cover
Generally speaking, AD&D insurance will apply if dismemberment or death occurs under the following circumstances:
- Auto accidents
- Drowning
- Electrocution
- Exposure to the elements
- Fires
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Homicide
- Slip and falls
Self-inflicted injuries (including suicide) and drug overdoses are generally not covered by AD&D insurance. Accidental death and dismemberment also does not cover diseases such as cancer or heart attacks. However, other types of life insurance may provide coverage in these cases. If you have both life insurance and AD&D insurance, you may be able to claim benefits from both policies.
Note that AD&D coverage details may vary from policy to policy, and be sure to consult your insurance agent for full information about your coverage.
What to Do When AD&D Insurance Isn’t Enough
Unfortunately, accidental death and dismemberment insurance has many limitations and exclusions. If your claim is denied by the life insurance company or your losses exceed coverage limits, you may be left with staggering medical bills and loss of income on top of difficult choices about long-term care or funeral arrangements.
Taking on the Life Insurance Company
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in New Mexico and you suspect that your AD&D insurance claim was wrongfully denied, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help.
Insurance companies are known for attempting to minimize payouts, deny claims, or give their customers the run-around after filing a claim. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can prove your case, expedite the claims process, and ensure you get the full benefits to which you’re entitled.
Suing the Person Who Caused the Accident
Whether you don’t have a life insurance policy or you’ve exhausted your coverage, AD&D insurance may not be your only legal avenue to compensation after an accidental injury or death. For example, if you or a loved one was in a serious car or motorcycle accidents caused by another driver, that driver’s car insurance company is responsible for covering damage to your vehicle and bodily injury, plus compensating you for pain and suffering.
Even if another person did not directly cause an accident, another entity may still be responsible. If your injury was caused by a defective product, such as faulty brakes in a vehicle or another product with manufacturing or design flaws, the company who made the product may be held responsible for compensatory and even punitive damages.
Get Help from a New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured after an accident in New Mexico, legal assistance is just a phone call away. At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, we offer absolutely free consultations to help accident victims understand their rights and options after a devastating injury. For your complimentary, no obligation case review, contact our attorneys day or night by calling
575-544-4444. You can also get in touch with a representative online using our LiveChat service, or by filling out this simple questionnaire to be forwarded to our office.
Should you decide to pursue a claim with us, know that Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys charges no fees until we’ve made a financial recovery on your behalf. In addition to providing top-notch legal services, our compassionate and award-winning legal team is committed to helping victims carry the emotional burden of an injury so that they can focus on recovery.