If you have been injured in a crash in which your vehicle was run off the road by another car, your injuries might be covered by auto insurance. A crash can cause medical bills to add up fast. You may experience extensive pain and suffering and you may miss a lot of work, causing you to lose wages. A personal injury claim might help you get the compensation you deserve after suffering an injury in a crash caused by being run off the road by a car.
There are several things to be considered when you have suffered injuries in a crash that was caused by being run off the road by another vehicle. Usually, the auto insurance company of the driver who is at fault is liable for the damages and injuries. However, if the driver who ran you off the road just kept going and wasn’t identified the claims process may be even more complicated than originally believed. Statements provided by witnesses, such as the license plate information and descriptions of the car and driver might help officers track down the person who is to blame for the crash.
Determining Fault in an Accident
There are different fault laws, and these can vary from one state to another. Here are examples of fault laws and how they can impact your personal injury claim:
- No Fault States – Regardless of who caused the crash, the injured driver will file a claim for compensation from his or her own auto insurance policy because no driver is considered at fault.
- Pure Comparative Fault States – The damages collected by the injured driver are based on their own responsibility percentage. This is true even if they share fault with the driver of the other vehicle.
- Modified Comparative Fault States – Only if the driver who was injured was less than 50% to blame for the crash can he or she collect damages from the other driver.
- Contributory Negligence States – If the injured driver shares any amount of blame for the crash, their personal injury claim can be dropped.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If the driver of the other vehicle isn’t found, you might be able to file a claim for damages against your own insurance company. You can file this claim through your uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist portion of your policy. You should consult with a personal injury attorney to determine what is the best option for your situation.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney is your best chance at getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly. He or she will consider your medical bills, your pain and suffering, lost wages, any need for ongoing care, long-term disabilities or life-altering scars, and anything else caused from the crash. Considering all these things, he or she can come up with a fair settlement amount and fight for your fair treatment.
