In most cases, yes. Standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies include personal liability coverage, which is designed for exactly this scenario. It typically covers the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, and your legal defense costs if you are sued, up to your policy limits. Your first call after securing safety and documentation should be to your insurance provider to report the incident and begin the claims process.

You must show how each party was wrong. In cases of shared fault, you can name multiple defendants in your claim. You will need to provide evidence detailing the specific negligent act or failure of each party involved. The court or insurance adjusters will then determine the percentage of fault for each defendant. This apportionment directly impacts the amount of compensation you can recover from each responsible party.

If a claim exceeds your policy limits, you are personally responsible for the remaining balance. The injured party or their insurer can sue you to recover these excess costs. This could lead to wage garnishment, liens on your property, or other collections. This is why selecting adequate liability limits is critical. Do not just buy the state minimum; consider your assets and future earnings. An umbrella policy is an affordable way to add extra liability protection on top of your auto and home insurance.