Those who are not at fault for a wreck may have unrealistic expectations of how much support they may receive afterward. Many people expect a straightforward claims process after a car crash. Years of insurance industry advertisements have created a false sense of security.
People expect to receive the support they require to pay for medical care and help them if they cannot work due to their injuries. They believe that the driver at fault for the wreck should have insurance coverage that compensates them for all of their economic losses.
However, serious motor vehicle collisions are one of the top reasons for individuals to file personal injury lawsuits in Missouri. Some people have to go to civil court to recoup the economic losses they experience because of a car crash.
Why is litigation so often required for those dealing with major car crash injuries?
Coverage may not match the amount lost
Although the state does mandate insurance coverage, what is necessary to comply with the law doesn’t reflect how costly wrecks can be. The total costs of the crash are not what determines the compensation available. Instead, compensation largely depends on the policy carried by the driver at fault.
In Missouri, drivers can legally operate motor vehicles with coverage that falls far short of total collision expenses. Missouri requires at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. Drivers have to carry the same minimum amount of bodily injury coverage in case they hurt one person. The minimum coverage amount doubles in scenarios where more than one person ends up hurt because of a crash.
$25,000 or even $50,000 split between two people may not be enough to pay for emergency medical care, let alone the cost of replacing lost income. Lawsuits might be the only form of recourse available if the driver at fault for the crash doesn’t have insurance. Litigation can also be necessary for personal protection in scenarios where the injuries have catastrophic consequences for the hurt person.
Recognizing that a car crash might lead to a personal injury lawsuit can help people temper their expectations and better manage the insurance claims process. Rather than settling quickly, people often need to wait to ensure they understand the long-term financial impacts that a collision may ultimately inspire.