Even minor car crashes can be expensive. The cost to repair a damaged vehicle can amount to thousands of dollars. Not all vehicles can undergo repairs and become safe to drive again. It is possible for people to total their vehicles in crashes where no one gets hurt.
The vehicle may not be safe to drive anymore due to damage to the frame or other crucial vehicle systems. Replacing a vehicle can sometimes cost more than insurance covers. Crash costs can increase significantly when there are injuries as well as property damage.
Car crashes can cause contusions and broken bones. They can injure people’s brains or spinal cords. Some people even lose body parts because of a crash. They may have both medical costs and lost wages to recoup. How can people who didn’t cause a crash obtain compensation for these losses?
Through an insurance claim
Liability insurance coverage is mandatory. Every driver should have a basic policy. The people harmed by a collision can seek compensation for property damage and injury expenses. In cases involving significant injuries, their cost may go above what insurance covers.
Through a civil lawsuit
Drivers with bad insurance coverage may have personal liability. Illegal driving behavior and negligence can provide the grounds for a civil lawsuit. People may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit because they got hurt. People can also file wrongful death lawsuits after fatal collisions.
The courts can award damages and hold the driver at fault accountable. If the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have enough income or assets to provide compensation, people may need to explore other options.
Third-party liability might lead to better compensation. For example, maybe the driver was working at the time of the crash. Vicarious liability rules may make their employer at least partially responsible for crash costs. Other times, issues related to illegal behavior with alcohol could provide grounds for a lawsuit. Defective vehicle components or improper vehicle repairs could also lead to lawsuits against businesses.
Discussing the circumstances of the car crash with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate their options. Compensation may be available from a variety of different sources after a major wreck.