You may think the issue of compensation following a car accident is simple: either your auto insurance pays or the other driver’s insurance takes care of it. Yet when it comes to insurance issues, the potential for complexity is ever-present.
The most unfortunate aspect of this is that while insurance issues linger, car accident victims are often forced to face expenses on their own. Even when the potential of other forms of financial assistance may exist, resolving exactly which payer should pay can take time.
Tragic crash involving a police officer
The potential for such confusion may indeed be present in the case of a recently deceased Smyrna police officer. His colleagues say he died after colliding with an SUV in his police cruiser.
The driver of the SUV also required medical treatment. Reports do not detail what might have caused the collision (or who was at fault), although the deceased officer’s department confirmed he was on duty at the time.
Determining who should cover accident expenses
The fact the officer was “on the clock” when this accident occurred introduces the potential for a payer conflict. When a person sustains an injury (or dies) while working, workers’ compensation coverage is typically assumed to be the primary payer.
Yet a provider of such benefits may argue that when an accident involves a vehicle, auto insurance should cover the subsequent expenses. Solving problems like this out can be messy (not to mention difficult for someone who is unfamiliar with the law). Thus, having an experienced attorney in your corner during the process may be beneficial.
