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Can I still recover damages if the at-fault driver is killed in the accident?

It is tragic when anyone dies as the result of an automobile accident; however, when that party is the at-fault driver, many people assume that they have no recourse and must shoulder the financial burden of their injuries alone. However, by contacting the best injury attorney Los Angeles, you will discover that you do have rights and there are ways to recover damages even in this unfortunate circumstance.

Typically, when you are injured in an automobile accident, you contact the best injury attorney Los Angeles to discover that you can sue the at-fault driver for monetary damages to compensate you for your injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering. However, what happens when the at-fault driver dies as a result of the accident. Let us assume that two friends are driving to the beach and the driver tries to make a telephone call but loses control of the vehicle and crashes. The driver is killed instantly but his passenger survives and sustains serious injuries. He is hospitalized for two weeks and then must receive physical therapy for the next three months before he can fully recover and return to work. The passenger was not at fault in this accident; however, he is the one that has sustained serious injuries, is incurring substantial medical costs and will incur lost wages because he cannot return to work for months. The passenger is devastated that his friend died in the wreck and he does not want to add more grief to his friend’s family by claiming damages from the accident yet he does not know what he will do because he does not have the money to pay these bills or pay his living expenses.

What the passenger should do is contact the best injury attorney Los Angeles immediately to discuss what his rights are under the law. He will likely discover that in the case of an automobile accident, the driver’s insurance company is liable for damages. In most cases, the compensation paid to an injured person comes from the driver’s insurance company and not directly from the driver. This is the case whether the driver survives the accident or dies as a result of injuries sustained from the accident. Sometimes, the responsible party either does not have auto insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the medical expenses caused by the accident. Many accident victims do not realize that the uninsured/underinsured provision of their own auto policy may be available to assist them with medical bills or pay them entirely.

By consulting with a personal injury attorney, the passenger realizes that he can receive compensation for his injuries that will help pay for his medical expenses and living expense without the need to involve the driver’s family. While there may be some feelings of anguish or guilt associated with this, the passenger needs to understand that one of the reasons we have insurance is to cover circumstances just like this and there is no shame in receiving much needed compensation for his injuries.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident or as the result of another’s careless, reckless or negligent acts or conduct, contact our office today for a free consultation. We will help you receive the compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses and reimburse you for your pain and suffering.