Hit By an Uninsured Driver: What’s Next?

By Clinton Courier | November 25, 2020 |

Although car accidents are a common and unfortunate occurrence, they can be even worse when the other driver doesn’t have auto insurance. This makes things much more difficult for you if you have suffered an injury and your vehicle has been damaged.

Instead of being able to go through the at-fault driver’s insurance, you have to look at alternatives to recover compensation. There are different ways you can go about doing just that.

Look Toward Your Own Coverage

After you’ve been in an accident with a driver who is uninsured, you will have to rely on your own insurance coverage to pay for your damages. Uninsured motorist coverage is in place specifically in the event that you’re in such a situation. It is there to protect you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or who is underinsured. It may also cover you in the event that you’re the victim of a hit and run accident.

It’s important to know that uninsured motorist coverage is required only in certain states. At the same time, insurance companies are required to offer it as part of their customers’ coverage in most states. The amount this coverage offers should not exceed the amount of regular liability coverage.

Other Ways to Recover Compensation

Unfortunately, it’s common to suffer debilitating, disabling injuries after getting into a car accident with an uninsured driver. When the other driver doesn’t have insurance or they’re under-insured, what are your options?

Certain accidents are more serious than others. You may be left with severe consequences such as traumatic brain injuries and have significant medical expenses and bills for ongoing treatment afterward. In cases of serious injury, you may even have to miss time from work, or you may never be able to return to your job at all.

In addition to your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage, there are other areas you can consider for recovering compensation for your damages. They include the following:

File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver: One option you might consider is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, oftentimes, drivers who do not have insurance simply cannot afford it. This means they probably won’t have the finances to pay a settlement to you if they lose a lawsuit, either. Although many injured parties go this route, they don’t recover much for their trouble.
Personal injury protection insurance: Some states have no-fault laws for car accidents, which means each party is responsible for covering their damages regardless of who is at fault. In this situation, personal injury protection insurance or PIP can cover some of your expenses after an accident.
Collision insurance: You can add collision insurance on top of your regular liability policy to cover the damages to your vehicle after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Health insurance: Your health insurance policy is a good thing to turn to if your injuries are serious and your PIP insurance isn’t enough to cover your medical bills and other expenses.

Steps to Take After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

After you have been involved in a car accident with a driver who lacks insurance, you should take certain steps immediately. These should be done regardless of the other driver’s insurance situation and include the following:

Call 911: Stay at the scene of the accident and immediately call 911. You should request the responding police officer make an accident report and make sure to get their name and badge number and later get a copy of the report. Getting medical attention is also essential even if you feel fine.
Exchange information: Keep the chat to the bare minimum, but get the other driver’s full name and contact information. Give them yours as well. Don’t even apologize for the accident, as it could be misconstrued as an admission of fault.
Contact your insurance company: Let your insurance company know that you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver. Just give basic information and don’t answer any questions elaborately.
Contact an attorney: Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Make sure you find an attorney who specializes in Uninsured Motorist cases to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You should leave it to them to handle all the legwork for you such as speaking with a representative from your insurance company or with the at-fault driver’s attorney.

While it may seem hopeless, it’s possible to recover the compensation you need after an accident with an uninsured driver. Having an experienced attorney on your side is imperative.