Will Insurance Pay for Accident Caused by Drinking?

If you have had an accident in which you have harmed someone or damaged another person’s property and have been charged with Driving Under the Influence then you need to contact an insurance lawyer to get up to speed on your rights. Why?

State Legislature Not in Your Favor

Depending on the laws in your state, you may be eligible to receive coverage for “third party liability” damage but wont receive coverage for damage to your own property as most insurance companies will deny a claim if you break the law. For example, if you use a vehicle to rob a bank and damage your car during a police chase you will likely not be covered. If you hurt anyone during the chase or hurt anyone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol your insurance company will cover the damages of the third party up to the liability minimums in your state.

“Not Guilty” is Not a Good Thing

However, once you are found guilty for “Driving Under the Influence” your insurance company will turn around and sue you for the payments made to the injured party. Keep in mind that you can be sued for tens of thousands of dollars depending on the amount of damage you caused. If you live in a Tort state, the third party’s insurance company will cover the damages to their insured and then take you to court for reimbursement. Again you do not want this to happen, so what do you do?

Hire a Great Lawyer

The important thing to do if you are charged with drinking and driving is to hire a good lawyer to avoid conviction so you do not have to go to court for a civil suit where you could possibly see your entire present and future net worth wiped out.

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