Do Insurance Companies Pay For Drunk Driving Accidents?
Do insurance companies pay for drunk driving accidents? Some people believe that a car insurance company will refuse to pay for drunk driving accidents because they do not want to encourage bad behavior. However, this is not necessarily the case because the answer, unfortunately, is not always clear-cut.
Every situation is different, and it is important to speak with an insurance company representative to get a better understanding of what might be covered in the event of a drunk driving accident. This article will explore some of the things that you need to know about insurance coverage for drunk drivers.
If you were involved in a drunk driving accident in Florida, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that your insurance policy will cover it. The best way to do so is by scheduling a free consultation with an expert drunk driving accident attorney.
At the Law Offices of Jared Spingarn, you can get the legal advice and guidance you need to make sure that your insurance policy will provide coverage for the accident. After speaking with a knowledgeable attorney from Jared’s firm, you may be able to determine whether or not your car insurance company pays for the damages from a drunk driving accident.
Will insurance pay for a DUI accident?
While it is true that car insurance companies do not condone drunk driving, they do understand that accidents do happen and that drivers can make mistakes. Although a DUI accident may be caused by a drunk driver operating the vehicle while knowingly intoxicated, in most cases it is not their intention to figure into an accident. Thus, most insurance companies will cover an accident caused by a drunk driver as long as the policyholder has purchased adequate coverage.
However, the insurance company may take additional steps to protect their customers and themselves from irresponsible behavior by increasing the policyholder’s premium or denying coverage in cases of extreme negligence or recklessness. In general, if insurance companies deem the accident to be under the category of intentional acts or fraudulent acts, you may not be able to recover compensation. Fraudulent acts are defined as acts involving deceit and are usually considered to be perceived more harshly by insurance companies.
For example, a driver with a prior DUI conviction could have their car insurance rates increased because they have already demonstrated that they do not act responsibly when operating a vehicle. Another example is if the driver was found to be extremely intoxicated while driving, an insurance company may decide to deny coverage due to the reckless behavior of the driver.
It is important to know that insurance companies do not have a blanket policy when it comes to drunk driving accidents and each case is evaluated on its own merits. Therefore, if you are involved in an accident and you think that the other driver was intoxicated, or if you were knowingly drunk driving, it is best to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you pursue compensation from your insurance company.
How will I know if my insurance will cover a car accident that involved drunk driving?
Car accidents can change your life in an instant, and the fact remains that DUI accidents are among the most preventable. Drunk driving can be avoided by making the conscious decision to not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
If you do choose to drive while intoxicated, however, it is important to understand that your insurance company may not cover all of your costs. The first thing you must do when considering an insurance claim for a drunk driving accident is to contact your insurer and ask whether they will accept a claim.
It is also a good idea to speak with an experienced car accident attorney from the law firm of Jared Spingarn, P.A. to get more information about your rights and how best to proceed with making a claim. Jared can help you understand what insurance coverage may be available in such cases, as well as whether or not the other driver’s insurance company will accept liability for the accident.
Will insurance cover a passenger or other driver injured in a DUI accident?
In most cases, yes. The insurance policy will cover the costs of any damages caused by a drunk driver as long as they are not considered grossly negligent or reckless. This includes the cost of medical treatment and property damage for anyone involved in the accident, including passengers in the vehicle and other drivers.
What if I am facing DUI charges? Will my insurance company still cover the accident?
Most insurance companies will not cover any costs associated with a DUI charge or conviction. Although this varies per insurance company, they generally do not offer coverage for criminal charges or legal fees related to a DUI arrest or conviction. Most car accidents are unintentional which is why many insurance companies are willing to cover the costs for victims to receive financial compensation. However, in some cases, the “accident” may be deemed as an intentional act, which will then make the claim more complex.
Thus, it is important for drivers who are facing potential criminal penalties in Florida to speak with Jared Spingarn so he can explain the options available to them and assist in building the strongest legal defense possible.
By working with an experienced legal team, you can better understand your rights and ensure that you do not become liable for any of the costs related to a DUI accident. Doing so will help you protect yourself against unforeseen financial hardship as well as potential criminal penalties.
Wondering if car insurance covers accidents while driving under the influence? Your insurer must cover third-party damages by law. Click here to learn more.
Types of Insurance Coverage for Drunk Driving Accidents
DUI accidents often lead to severe injuries and costly damages, so it is important to have the right kind of insurance coverage in place. Most states require drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of insurance which can help to cover costs related to medical bills and property damage resulting from an accident. In Florida, these are just some of the options available to you:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
In Florida, PIP coverage will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to $10,000. This is the minimum amount of coverage that is required to be attached to all car insurance policy purchases. The advantage of having PIP coverage is that it will cover the policyholder, and their immediate relatives living under the same roof, regardless of who caused the accident. However, with the small amount of coverage available, it is not always enough for serious injuries caused by drunk driving accidents. It also does not include non-economic damages.
Property Damage Liability (PDL) Coverage
In Florida, PDL coverage is also a mandatory inclusion in car insurance policies. This type of coverage is important to have to help cover the costs of any property damage that may include a car, home, or any other kind of physical property that has been damaged as a result of the collision.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability helps to pay for medical costs and legal fees related to any injury sustained in the accident. This coverage can be purchased individually or as part of a comprehensive car insurance policy, but if you do opt to go with the latter, you should be aware that there are still limits placed on how much coverage is available.
Uninsured/Under-insured Motorists Coverage
Uninsured or under-insured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage are types of insurance that can help to cover costs if the other driver does not have enough insurance coverage or none at all. In Florida, this is not a mandatory requirement for drivers to purchase in order to legally operate a vehicle, but it is recommended to purchase this type of coverage so you can protect yourself from financial hardship in the event of an accident.
With uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage, you can rest assured knowing that your medical bills and property damage will be taken care of even if the other driver lacks the required insurance coverage. It is a good form of protection to have in the event of a drunk driving accident, especially since the limits of PIP coverage are often not enough to cover your personal injuries and lost income.
Health Insurance
In Florida, health insurance can also help to cover medical costs related to injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. This type of insurance is important to have so that you do not become liable for unexpected medical expenses as a result of the collision. However, it is important to check with your provider first as some policies do not cover any type of motor vehicle accident.
Avoid the severe risks and legal consequences of drinking and driving. Click here for “Tips to Avoid Drinking and Driving.”
Conclusion
Despite the risks associated with driving under the influence, do insurance companies pay for drunk driving accidents? Generally, yes, they do. But it is important to make sure that you have the right kind of coverage in place so that you do not become liable for any of the costs related to a DUI accident. With the right kind of protection, you can rest assured that your medical bills and property damage will be taken care of in the event of an accident.
Get in touch with reputable personal injury attorney Jared Spingarn to make sure that you are properly compensated for any losses or damages incurred due to another driver’s negligence. Request your free consultation today and get the help you need to hold the other party responsible for their actions.
>> If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.
