Manny24 of Portland, ME Whoopdeedoo, you are singing the song of the insurance companies. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident, you would want a lawyer to help you. The lawyers in injury cases take all the risk, and share in the award only if successful. People in the U.S. are compensated with money. It doesn't bring people back or always make them better (although sometimes it does, in terms of providing money for medical treatment), but it can help them to get through tough times, pay their lost wages, pay for the pain that they have suffered. And please don't buy the line from the insurance companies that everyone's rates will go up. What do you pay premiums for? So that your company can pay-- and you don't have to-- if you've wronged somebody. Why do you carry underinsured motorist coverage? So that you can receive $$ if you are injured as the result of someone else's negligence. Don't you worry abouot the insurance companies. And if your rates are going up, it's not because of the largely measely awards of damages. It's because of the drive by insurance companies for more profits, bad losses (like hurricanes and floods in the south), and bad investments. Instead of chastising the lawyers who help people who are hurt, why don't you criticize the insurance companies that pay their executives millions of $$$ in compensation-- even if they lose money. For years, the head of Travelers made over $100 million per year. And you begrudge lawuyers and their victim clients compensation? Hope you're never injured. But if you are, find a good lawyer, who will represent you for nothing, agreeing to be paid only if he or she gets you money for your troubles.report abuse

Bob of Springvale, ME Liability in accident cases is based on simple negligence, not on criminal conduct. "At fault" in a civil case is not the same thing as guilty of a crime. A lot of people are saying money can't bring the woman back, so nothing should be paid. That would make it a windfall for the insurance carrier, who collects premiums to insure against a liability claim, then has to pay nothing.report abuse

Southbound of Saco, ME Holy Toledo...it was an ACCIDENT people!!! Had her intent that morning been to go out and hit the first pedestrian she saw, I'd say go after her. But, that wasn't the case...you want to take away her home, her right to drive, any and all assets? You think she walked away from this accident the same person? What's wrong with you people?report abuse

john anybody of South Portland, ME Geez apparently according to the posters here we don't need insurance!!! This was an ACCIDENT and that is why we have insurance. My god haven't you notice we keep score in a capitalist system with money. Funny though how the insurance companies always have their hand out for the premium but disappear when they are one the hook for a payout. Yeah insurance the one product we purchase we hope we never use!!report abuse