Traveling is a way to break from your routine, experience new adventures, and appreciate nature. However, while it can be an avenue to enjoy life, it also comes with inherent risks.
Auto accidents can occur anywhere and anytime when traveling by car. This is why having sufficient auto insurance is essential for tourists. Auto insurance offers financial security against unforeseen accidents by covering vehicle repair expenses, medical costs, and other damages associated with the crash.
In this article, you will learn the importance of having insurance when traveling and what to do if you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
Can I Drive Without Auto Insurance?
In most states, driving without auto insurance is against the law. Auto insurance is required to guarantee your financial security and the financial safety of others in case of an accident.
Aside from purchasing one, drivers are often required to have proof of it when traveling. If authorities determine that you lack insurance and evidence of buying one when driving, they may impose legal consequences, such as fines.
Furthermore, if you drive without insurance, you risk facing significant financial consequences because you will be solely liable for paying for any injuries and property damage. This is why insurance protects you from legal repercussions and financial burden from a car accident.
Why Is Car Insurance Essential for Traveling?
From legal obligation to financial responsibility, there are a few reasons why car insurance is crucial when traveling by land.
Legal Obligation
In most jurisdictions in the United States, driving without insurance is not permitted. Hence, your legal obligation is to secure car insurance before traveling. Failure to follow such law may lead to legal consequences, such as fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or even legal action.
For example, in California, drivers are obligated to fulfill specific liability requirements, which include:
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$15,000 coverage for injury or fatality to a single individual
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$30,000 coverage for injury or fatality to multiple individuals
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$5,000 coverage for property damage
Moreover, you are not only required to secure insurance in California, but you also need to have proof of purchasing one when driving.
Financial Protection
One of the most essential advantages of having auto insurance is financial protection, which covers a range of costs related to collisions, such as medical bills, auto repairs, and legal fees.
In a car accident, the driver who causes the crash must cover the damages expenses. In most cases, they will use their auto insurance policy to cover the damage costs of the victim.
People who don’t have auto insurance risk having to pay for the damages out of pocket, which might put them in serious financial trouble or possibly bankrupt them. Consequently, having auto insurance provides people with financial security and peace of mind by protecting them from unforeseen expenses brought on by road accidents.
Medical Assistance
Car accidents may result in significant injuries or wrongful death, depending on the factors affecting the impact of the collision. When you have car insurance, the provider will likely pay for the medical expenses associated with the crash. These can include hospital bills, medication expenses, and other costs related to your injuries.
If the car accident results from another driver’s negligence, you may also claim compensation for future medical expenses, especially if it causes significant injuries. Future rehabilitation, treatments, and care plans may all be included in the compensation.
Car insurance enables individuals to receive the medical treatment they require without worrying about the hefty costs associated with healthcare services, offering critical support during challenging times.
Emergency Assistance
Car insurance provides emergency help, which can be extremely useful while traveling. In the event of a breakdown or accident, insurance coverage frequently includes towing, roadside assistance, and vehicle repairs.
These services ensure that travelers receive fast assistance, decreasing downtime and further issues on the road. Whether you have a flat tire, a dead battery, or run out of gas, having auto insurance with emergency assistance coverage provides peace of mind and ensures that help is only a phone call away.
What Happens If I’m Involved in a Car Accident While Traveling?
If you are involved in a car accident while traveling, the driver who causes the collision should be responsible for the damages. If the crash results from another party’s negligence, they should cover your damage expenses. On the other hand, if you cause a collision, you should cover your and the other driver’s losses from the crash.
Note that your right to pursue a car accident claim for compensation relies on the other driver’s liability for the crash, the presence of injuries and other damages, and sufficient evidence to support your claim.
This means that if you are responsible for the crash, you don’t have the right to file a claim for compensation. However, some jurisdictions allow victims to pursue a case even if they are partly at fault. It is best to determine the jurisdiction in the state where you had the accident to know if you are entitled to compensation.
For example, you were traveling in Carlsbad when a drunk driver hit you. Consequently, you were distracted on the phone when the collision occurred. Since you didn’t understand the jurisdiction in the state where the accident happened, you decided to avoid filing a claim. Unfortunately, if you had pursued a case, you would have received a settlement depending on how much the other driver caused the collision.
In such a case, a Carlsbad accident attorney understands the importance of determining jurisdictions in several states, builds a case for compensation if you are entitled to one, collects evidence, and negotiates fair settlements.
Having legal representation during a travel accident can significantly impact your ability to navigate the legal system and ensure your rights are upheld. From comprehending legislation to engaging in negotiations with insurance providers, an experienced lawyer may offer crucial legal assistance and direction throughout the process. They can assist you in gathering proof, estimating the degree of your losses, and pursuing just compensation.