Despite the fact that liability car insurance is required by the law in a majority of the states, there are still uninsured drivers who continue to operate behind the wheel. In fact, the Insurance Research Council says that around 1 in 8 drivers don’t possess an auto insurance. Although a driver may follow the rules on the road, they can still be susceptible to vehicle accidents against a driver without auto insurance.
What To Do After An Accident With An Uninsured Driver
When you get involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, there are practices you must consider. This guide will give you the confidence on taking the necessary steps when dealing with this situation.
- Call local authorities
Upon an accident, regardless if the other driver is insured or not, the first thing to do is call the police and medical assistance. In the event that the other driver is uninsured, it becomes more important to call the police since their report helps you in making claims smoother and acquire coverage for the damages.
- Don’t accept money.
The uninsured driver may face some penalties and hefty fines. This means, they may find means to avoid legal punishments. You still have no idea the costs of your injuries and damages, so even if acquiring money spot-on is a good deal, don’t accept it until you’ve talked to your lawyer or insurance company.
- Exchange information.
Even if they can’t provide insurance information, you still need to get their name, contact numbers, and vehicle details. Also, see if there are any potential witnesses and get their personal information. Then, ask for their statements as those can be very beneficial for your legal claims.
- Collect documents or data
Gather all the information you could from the accident. This includes the vehicle’s model, time, date, and location of the accident. Also, get the names and badge numbers of any responding officer at the scene. Most importantly, you must have a copy of the police report.
- Take pictures
It’s also important to preserve evidence by capturing photos and videos at the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the damages inflicted on your car, the other vehicle, license plates, personal injuries, traffic signs, and the directions of each vehicle traveled. All those are crucial details and supporting documents when filing a claim.
The Best Coverage for Accidents With Uninsured Drivers
Having a run-in against a driver without insurance could happen to anyone. There is a way to become proactive about your protection if you’re ever in this situation.
Uninsured motorist coverage: This optional coverage is available in most states, and around 20 states require this coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage authorizes your insurance company to step in and help cover the costs for personal injuries inflicted to you and your passengers. It will also help cover for any medical expenses, income losses and others expenses.
In the event that you don’t possess an uninsured motorist coverage, you may sue the at-fault driver for your incurred expenses. However, this may take some time and costs with no guarantee that you’ll reach a settlement. Instead, you may find yourself paying out-of-pocket costs for any injuries. Although, if you have collision insurance, this is what can help fix your automobile.
Conclusion
Getting into a vehicle accident is a frightening experience. In the event that you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you deal with your situation. Also, keep in mind the steps we’ve provided.
