People involved in motor vehicle collisions can accrue thousands of dollars of expenses in just a few seconds. Another driver fails to yield at a four-way stop, and suddenly a person following the law no longer has a working vehicle.
Those involved in crashes can also incur injuries that send them to the hospital and saddle them with thousands of dollars in medical expenses. They may miss time at work or find themselves incapable of continuing in their careers because of their injuries. Crashes can result in devastating financial consequences. Thankfully, the people who are not at fault for a crash frequently have several options available to them as they look for ways to cover their expenses.
Liability insurance claims
Many people can cover crash costs with an insurance claim. State law mandates basic liability coverage on all motor vehicles. People affected by the crash who are not at fault can file a claim seeking reimbursement for property damage expenses and losses related to injuries. There should be at least $25,000 each of bodily injury and property damage coverage. Some drivers choose to carry more than the minimum coverage amounts required by the law. Even then, people may find that insurance doesn’t fully reimburse them, particularly if the crash produced noteworthy injuries.
Lawsuits against irresponsible drivers
When the driver does not have enough insurance coverage or when they do not have a policy as required by the law, they leave themselves exposed to personal liability. The people affected by the crash they caused may be able to file a lawsuit. People with significant injuries can file personal injury lawsuits. Families who have lost a loved one may be able to file wrongful death lawsuits seeking compensation from the party at fault for the crash.
Third-party lawsuits
Occasionally, there is an outside party other than the driver at fault with a degree of liability for the collision. Maybe the crash occurs because of a defective vehicle component. Perhaps the driver at fault was on the clock at work, creating a degree of liability for their employer. Third-party lawsuits against businesses can often help cover crash costs more effectively than insurance claims or lawsuits against one person.
Reviewing every option for financial compensation with a skilled legal team can help people limit their losses after a car crash. Those involved in wrecks shouldn’t have to accept significant financial setbacks due to another party’s negligence or illegal conduct in traffic.
