A car accident is a stressful and scary experience, and it becomes even more complicated when you are dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver. When the accident occurs, the investigation determines liability based on the driver who was responsible for the accident. Then, that driver’s insurance needs to pay for the medical costs and resulting damages. But, if that person doesn’t have insurance, then it can leave the victim in a challenging financial situation.
Unfortunately, the number of uninsured drivers on the road is increasing every year. As costs are continuing to increase, people are taking the risk of driving without the required insurance coverage. Then, when an accident occurs, it can have a devastating impact on everyone involved.
What You Need to Know: The Risks of Uninsured Drivers
There are numerous risks posed when someone is driving without car insurance. Most often, the financial burden lands on the victim(s) of the accident. The results of an accident can be quite expensive, especially when you consider medical costs, ongoing treatments, damage to the vehicle, lost wages, and more.
Even though the uninsured driver is at fault, it leaves the victims with no compensation for the damages. When an accident is serious, these financial problems can result in long-lasting issues for the victim and their family.
One risk of underinsured drivers is that there is a higher likelihood of someone fleeing the scene if they don’t have insurance. Also, these uninsured drivers may be involved in multiple offenses.
What Are Your Options If the Other Driver is Uninsured?
Is it possible to file a car accident claim if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? There are a few things that you need to know about this process – and hiring a car accident lawyer should always be the first step.
Here are a few steps you should follow immediately when the accident happens:
- Medical Care: Your health is a priority, which is why you should always seek medical care immediately. Fast diagnostics and treatment can minimize the long-term complications of your injuries.
- Documenting the Scene: If you are able, make sure to take photos of the car accident, including the damages to the vehicles, positioning of the cars, and pictures of any resulting injuries. This documentation can be helpful in building a case that will optimize potential compensation.
- Call the Police: Never try to handle a car accident without involving the police. You need to make sure that there are police records and full documentation that can be used for your case.
- Check Your Insurance: If the other person is unable to provide insurance information because they don’t have coverage, then reach out to your own insurance company to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy.
- Hire an Attorney: You deserve to know your legal rights in this situation, which is why it’s essential to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Even if the other person doesn’t have insurance, there might be legal options to pursue so you can receive compensation.
Should You File a Car Accident Claim Through Your Own Insurance?
When the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, then you will be glad that you’ve been paying for uninsured motorist coverage through your own policy. Consult with your attorney, then follow the necessary steps to file this insurance claim with your provider.
The good news is that this uninsured motorist coverage can provide financial compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and even lost wages.
Keep in mind that your own insurance provider might be working to reduce the amount of money that they need to pay. So, it usually makes sense to hire a car accident attorney even if you are filing an insurance claim with your own policy.
Legal Action Against the Uninsured Driver
One option that you might discuss with your personal injury attorney is whether you should pursue legal action against the other driver. It’s possible that the lawsuit might result in money for damages. But keep in mind that this can be a difficult process when the other person doesn’t have insurance or significant assets.
A car accident attorney will review your case and investigate the driver at fault. Then, this information can be used to determine whether it’s worthwhile to pursue legal action. Even if you win the lawsuit, there are times when collecting damages is challenging because of the financial situation of the other driver. So, it might not be worth the legal expenses that will be accrued through this process.
FAQ
What to do if involved in an accident with an uninsured driver?
When an accident happens and the other driver is uninsured, then make sure to call the police, document the scene, and consult with a car accident lawyer. You might choose to file a claim with your insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
How to get compensation from an uninsured driver?
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, then you might be able to receive compensation from your uninsured motorist coverage. Another option is to pursue legal action, but it can be hard to collect damages if the uninsured driver doesn’t have any assets.
What are uninsured motorist insurance benefits?
The benefits of uninsured motorist insurance can be paid out for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. This compensation is only available if the driver at fault doesn’t have insurance coverage.
Can I file a car accident claim without insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, you have the option to file a car accident claim. But there is a risk that you might be fined or penalized for driving uninsured. Also, compensation can be difficult.
Call the Car Accident Experts
You deserve quality legal help when you are the victim of a car accident. If you are in a situation with an uninsured driver or you are dealing with any other type of personal injury claim, then reach out to our team at Green Law Firm as soon as possible. Contact us to talk to a skilled car accident lawyer to learn more about your options: (956) 542-7000.
