Most people expect the driver at fault for a crash to pay for collision expenses. People who break the law or who are negligent on the road are responsible for their own choices. The people affected by a collision can often file insurance claims.
A combination of their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and the liability policy of the driver at fault could cover most of their losses. Unfortunately, not everyone carries an appropriate amount of insurance. Even when drivers have policies that comply with state law, the total costs generated by a crash could be far higher than the coverage available.
In such cases, personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits could help people cover their collision expenses. Those without the income to carry robust insurance may also lack the income or assets necessary to compensate others after a lawsuit. Those with major collision expenses may need to start looking at alternative sources of compensation.
Outside parties may be liable
There are a variety of scenarios in which a business might have a degree of financial liability for a recent collision. One of the most common involves an employee on the road as part of their job. If a professional caused a crash while on the clock, their employer may have a degree of liability for the collision.
Other times, violations of the law might leave a business vulnerable to liability. In a drunk driving crash scenario, a bar or restaurant that provided alcohol to an impaired driver could be partially liable. If a licensed business serves alcohol to a minor or continues serving alcohol to someone who is visibly drunk, the company may have a degree of liability for any crashes that result.
Sometimes, issues with vehicles might lead to business liability. If there are defective components in a vehicle, a manufacturer may have partial liability for certain types of crashes. If the collision occurred because of a mistake made by a mechanic during maintenance or repairs to the vehicle, the company that employs them might be liable.
Looking at every potential source of compensation can help people limit the economic harm caused by motor vehicle collisions. In cases where businesses may have a degree of liability, their resources and insurance can potentially provide better compensation than another driver’s liability insurance might offer.