Jim was looking forward to a relaxing day of golf with his neighbor, Bob. Jim pulled into Jim’s drive and popped the trunk. Bob threw in his clubs and then hopped into the front passenger seat.
“Great day for golf, Jim” Bob said as Jim drove out of his driveway in Brentwood and pulled onto Franklin Road.
“The trees are beginning to show color and the temperature is just right. Not too hot, not too cold, beautiful Nashville day” replied Jim as he pulled up to a stop sign. He signaled a left turn and began his turn on to the main highway leading to the golf course. That’s all he remembers before waking up in the hospital.
The unthinkable had happened. A speeding drunk driver had T-boned Jim’s car. The drunk driver’s car had hit directly on the front door of the passenger’s side. Jim’s injuries were not too bad. But Bob’s were massive and serious.
Now, 18 months later, Bob is struggling to walk. He has not returned to work. He suffered severe back and head injuries. He is tormented with blurred vision and has problems concentrating.
Bob sued the drunk driver. But the drunk driver had no insurance and no assets. As bad as Bob hated to do so, he file suit against his friend Jim. He had to recover his lost wages and the loss of future earnings caused by his disabling injuries. He had to support his family.
Jim understood, of course. Bob’s suit was for $800,000. Considering his loss of earnings as an engineer, this amount was justified. Jim has auto insurance with $500,000 underinsured and uninsured motorist limits. Jim also purchased an umbrella policy for $1,000,000. He thinks his protection is adequate.
The trouble is Jim is going to be $300,000 short! You see, many insurance companies do not offer underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage under their umbrella policies. Does yours?
