Car crashes aren’t always avoidable. Even drivers who purchase vehicles known for their safety and who consistently follow the law can end up injured in collisions. There are many drunk drivers, distracted drivers and other irresponsible motorists on the roads.
When collisions occur and another party is clearly at fault, the people injured and dealing with property damage losses often expect insurance to cover their losses. Unfortunately, many people learn the hard way that insurance alone is often inadequate for the expenses generated by collisions, especially if they cause injuries.
The required coverage is relatively low
Every state has different rules regarding car insurance coverage. In Alaska, the minimum amounts of liability coverage are actually somewhat higher than the minimum amounts required in other states. Drivers have to carry at least $25,000 in property damage coverage.
They also need bodily injury liability coverage. Minimum requirements mandate $50,000 of protection if one person sustains injuries and $100,000 of coverage for crashes that affect multiple people. While that may be enough to replace an older vehicle and pay for minor injuries, crash expenses can easily exceed the amount of insurance available.
Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and even particularly severe fractures or broken bones could generate medical expenses beyond the available insurance coverage. The same basic coverage also has to replace an individual’s lost wages. When crashes cause major injuries or fatalities, lawsuits may be necessary to fully cover collision-related losses.
Reviewing insurance policy documents and collusion consequences with as skilled legal team can help people determine the best response after a car wreck. When there are significant expenses, people often need help seeking adequate compensation, and that’s okay.