Weird Car Accident Scenarios: What to Consider When the At-Fault Driver Passes Away?
Car accidents can be a major setback in life, and they can occur in various forms. It is something that can happen to anyone, and it can take many different forms. Sometimes, these accidents are straightforward; other times, only a car accident lawyer in Scranton can help.
Here are some basic things to consider if you find yourself in a critical situation where the driver who caused an accident has passed away –
Who is liable for the damages?
One of the most important things to determine after a car accident is who is liable for damages or injuries. It may be more difficult to determine if the at-fault driver has passed away.
In many cases, the driver’s insurance policy will provide coverage for damages or injuries, even if the driver is no longer alive. This coverage could include liability insurance, which pays for damages or injuries that the driver caused to others, and uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide compensation if the at-fault driver was uninsured.
Can you sue the driver’s estate?
If the driver who caused the accident has passed away, you may be able to sue the driver’s estate for damages. However, this can be a complex process, and the outcome will depend on a number of factors, including the laws of the state where the accident occurred and the size of the driver’s estate.
In some cases, the driver’s estate may not have enough assets to cover the damages, which means that you may be unable to recover compensation for your losses.
Additionally, if the driver was employed at the time of the accident, you may be able to seek compensation through the driver’s employer or the company’s liability insurance policy.
What if the driver was driving a company vehicle?
If the at-fault driver was driving a company vehicle, the company might be liable for any damages or injuries. This is because, in many cases, the company is considered the owner of the vehicle and, therefore, responsible for any accidents that occur while the vehicle is being used for work purposes.
What if the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident?
If the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident, this could significantly impact any legal proceedings that may follow.
Depending on the laws of your state, the driver’s estate may be liable for damages or injuries, and the driver’s insurance policy may not provide coverage in these circumstances.
Additionally, if the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident, the driver’s estate may face criminal charges for DUI or other offenses, which can further complicate the process of seeking compensation for damages.
Final Thoughts
If the driver causing the accident was engaging in reckless or illegal behavior, such as speeding or driving while under the influence, this can also impact any legal proceedings that may follow.
Depending on the circumstances, sometimes only a car accident lawyer can help your case. Therefore, look for a law firm with a record of handling weird cases like this.
