What To Do If You Are In an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

Car accidents can be life-threatening, painful, and stressful. If you have been involved in one, you understand the anxiety and frustration it can cause. Car accidents caused by an uninsured driver can compound that frustration. 

Under normal circumstances, when both drivers are insured, the car insurance companies will handle the property damage and any injuries the casualties sustained. Things can become more complicated when the at-fault driver is uninsured. 

If you are involved in a car accident that was not your fault, your insurance company will look to the other motorist’s insurance company to cover the damages you experienced. This can add to the headache that naturally comes along with a car accident.

Motorists Must Be Insured

To legally drive, in every state except New Hampshire, drivers must are required by law to have automobile insurance. The minimum coverage varies from state to state. For instance, Florida has a very low minimum coverage amount of only $10,000 for property damage. 

Most states require drivers to have enough coverage to repair or replace the other motorist’s vehicle and to cover their injuries. Sadly, we share the road with drivers who choose not to follow these laws. An accident caused by an uninsured driver creates a complicated financial situation for the people affected by their lack of insurance.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Provides Peace of Mind 

It is a shame that it is necessary, but to protect yourself from the losses created by an accident with an uninsured at-fault driver, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage policies can be an effective safeguard. In some states, this coverage is mandatory, but in many states, it is still an optional insurance addition. However, it is an add-on that can offer drivers peace of mind when an accident occurs.

How to Proceed After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Takes Place

Knowing what steps to take following a car crash with an uninsured driver can alleviate some of the stress you might be suffering. A few best practices are suggested to those involved in car crashes with uninsured drivers. The following are some of the recommended actions:

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• Exchange contact information with the uninsured driver.
• Report the accident to law enforcement so that they can complete an accident report detailing the uninsured motorist’s pertinent information. Having evidence, later on may be critical to your case.
• Seek prompt medical attention, even if you do not feel that you were harmed. Often, injuries do not materialize right away. You will need clear documentation of your injuries if you pursue damages through a lawsuit at a later date.
• Follow all instructions given to you by your healthcare provider. This is important not only for your health but so that you can prove to the court that you took your injuries seriously if it comes to that. 

Taking Legal Action Against an Uninsured Motorist

While most states punish uninsured motorists for driving without proper coverage, these penalties do not pay the bills that mount for property damage, medical expenses, and other damages incurred. If you live in a no-fault state, like Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah, your insurance should cover the damages you withstood. 

If your accident did not occur in a no-fault state, you might have to sue the liable driver for damages, so be sure to get the contact information of the driver who caused your wreck. Filing a police report will ensure you have the information you need. Sadly, a driver without proper insurance coverage will be unlikely to come up with much in the way of financial compensation, even if you pursue legal action against them. 

You Should Not Have to Pay for the Mistakes of Others

Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to find out what you can do to gain restitution for the damages caused by the uninsured driver. A qualified personal injury lawyer can ensure you understand your rights and how to best move forward.