If you are involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is crucial that you get their insurance and contact information right away. If the at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage can compensate you for your damages up to your auto insurance policy limits.
If your own insurance company presents obstacles in your uninsured motorist claim or you wish to explore additional compensation through other means, seek the guidance of a car accident attorney. They can provide the support and expertise you need in these complex situations.
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, our dedicated attorneys can help you understand how uninsured motorist coverage works, gather evidence against the at-fault driver for your motor vehicle accident, strengthen your claim, and give you a fighting chance at maximizing your compensation. Contact our law firm for a free consultation to learn more.
Importance of Taking Immediate Action
In an accident with an uninsured driver, your priority is your health. Contact emergency services and seek medical attention right away, even if you do not feel any symptoms of your personal injury.
Document the accident scene by taking photos of the damages to both vehicles as well as potential road conditions that may have contributed to the collision. If there are CCTV cameras around, you can also use the video footage to build your claim.
Write down the license plate number of the negligent driver along with their contact information and insurance information. Some drivers may have insurance coverage. Before leaving the accident scene, also write down the contact information of possible eyewitnesses and report the incident to local authorities. Police investigations will help you find out if you are dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver if you did not already find out during your exchange of information.
Reporting the Incident and the Insurance Company
In most states, you must report the accident to authorities if you have been injured, suffered property damage beyond a certain threshold, or the incident resulted in a fatality.
When you get hit by an uninsured driver, it is also important to contact your insurance provider to inform your insurer of the accurate details of the incident and the fact that the other driver is uninsured. If you have underinsured motorist coverage, it can also help you when dealing with uninsured drivers and may cover medical bills and other aspects. It depends on your insurance policy. The other driver might face criminal charges depending on the state where the car accident occurred. Insurance claims can be challenging to handle alone but if you encounter any difficulties, speak with a car accident lawyer.
Consulting With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Your car insurance often plays a crucial role in an accident claim, but this is particularly true when pursuing an uninsured motorist claim.
Usually, you look to the at-fault driver’s coverage to compensate you for your bodily injury, property damages, and other losses. When the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage, however, you must look to your own first-party coverage to fully compensate you for your damages and losses.
If you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, a personal injury lawyer will help you pursue all of your options to recover compensation. In some instances, there might be other liable parties or you can use the other driver’s assets as compensation. Even though it is unlikely that they have sufficient assets given that they do not have auto insurance, you may still have options to pursue a recovery against them..
Consult with a personal injury lawyer to find out more, understand how insurance claims work and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Legal Guidance and Representation
When you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may face various challenges. At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, our car accident lawyers vigorously strive to protect our clients and help them achieve fair compensation for their injuries and other losses, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our law firm has successfully and passionately assisted car accident victims for over 35 years in various types of car accidents, including ones that involved uninsured drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
