Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but the situation gets even more difficult if the driver at fault has no insurance. This problem implies that responsible drivers are more and more at risk of shouldering the financial load of accidents brought on by underinsured or uninsured cars.
A 2023 survey by the Insurance Research Council actually found that one in three American drivers were either underinsured or uninsured. If you have been involved in an accident and you’re dealing with disputes because the other driver has no adequate insurance coverage, you can consult an uninsured and underinsured car accident lawyer.
These types of lawyers can help you seek compensation via your insurance policies or legal channels. When drivers without insurance cause accidents, it raises the question of who will cover the damages. Will your insurance pay for injuries and auto repairs?
You have to know your choices—including uninsured motorist coverage and legal remedies—if you want to safeguard yourself financially.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Understanding uninsured motorist coverage could be crucial when a driver without insurance is involved in an accident.
The coverage pays for your medical bills, lost income, and damage to the property caused by an uninsured driver. In a hit-and-run scenario, the policy could also save the day by keeping your medical/repair costs intact.
Usually, uninsured motorist coverage is optional, although many states require it. You want to go back and read your policy to see whether this coverage is there for you. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you may have to struggle with medical and property expenses after an accident, diverting your attention from taking care of yourself.
Phoenix insurance lawyer Luis P. Guerra says in case the insurance company refuses to provide you the full coverage stated in your policy, or if you encounter any insurance coverage issues, it’s best to have a lawyer who can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident
After an accident with an uninsured driver, stay calm and take immediate action to protect yourself and gather necessary information.
- Attend to injuries if necessary; ensure your safety. If it’s safe, move your vehicle over to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- You should gather the other driver’s contact information, including name, phone number, and vehicle details.
- Ensure you document the scene, take pictures of the damages, the involved cars, and any road signs with relevance, and be sure a witness’ contact information is collected.
- Write down every detail of the accident while you remember it. This evidence will be helpful in the future when you start dealing with insurance companies or other related proceedings.
Reporting the Accident to Authorities
It is very important to report the accident to authorities, especially when you are dealing with an uninsured driver. Call the police immediately after such an incident. They will visit the site and take statements from witnesses as well as make an official report.
This report may be required for a future claim or legal action. Make sure you give a clear narrative as to what happened in the accident – where, when, and what happened prior to the collision.
Don’t forget to request a copy of the police report for yourself or insurance claims. Also inform your insurance about the accident itself as soon as possible so they can help direct you on what to do from there.
Legal Options for Compensation
An accident with an uninsured driver can be difficult, but there are legal ways to get compensation.
The first step is to verify if your current policy includes coverage for uninsured motorists, as this would help pay for your expenses. Another option available is a collision damage claim against your policy.
Individuals with serious injuries may consider suing the uninsured driver personally, although receiving damages could be challenging due to a lack of assets.
Other possible options are the various compensation funds created within the states to compensate accident victims who are uninsured. A personal injury attorney will be able to guide you toward the best course of action depending on your case.
Preventative Measures for Future Incidents
While you have no control over the insurance coverage of the other driver, you can still ensure the protection of yourself by first getting uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage will help pay for your expenses if you get in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Always be alert on the road since defensive driving can avoid many accidents. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles and now pay attention to reckless driving behavior.
Make repairs on the car regularly to keep it in good and safe condition. Also, always take pictures and get the other driver’s information, regardless of their apparent insurance status.
Another thing you may do to minimize your risk is to attend a driving safety course to brush up on your skills and keep current with traffic rules.
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