Numerous poor choices can cause crashes. Many unsafe driving decisions are also illegal, but not all traffic violations are crimes. Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are criminal matters rather than traffic tickets because of the risk they represent for everyone else on the road. A drunk driving crash can have catastrophic consequences for people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Can people hurt by a drunk driver count on their insurance to cover their losses?
Misconduct does not negate coverage
Some people mistakenly believe that illegal behavior renders a liability insurance policy invalid. They think that a liability policy may not apply if a driver flagrantly broke the law by driving drunk. Thankfully that is not the case.
Liability insurance coverage applies even in scenarios where the motorist who caused the crash clearly and knowingly violated the law and then harmed others. That being said, there are significant limitations to the basic policies required by law.
If a drunk driver only has the minimum coverage required, they may not have injury-related liability coverage. The $10,000 in property damage liability coverage mandated by law may not be enough to replace a vehicle. Drivers may instead need to use their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which may only cover $10,000 in losses. In such cases, insurance alone may not be sufficient.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving collision may need help looking into their options. Filing a lawsuit may sometimes be the best option for compensation after a drunk driver causes a car crash that leaves other people injured and dealing with costly property damage.