A car accident is already complicated on its own. What more if it’s an accident with an uninsured driver? If an uninsured driver hits you, you have the following options to settle the incident:
- File a claim against the at-fault driver
- Contact your insurance provider if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage
- Build a case against another party liable for the accident, such as the vehicle manufacturer
What To Do When An Uninsured Driver Hits You
Most car accidents result in bodily injuries and property damage. In such cases, you will require substantial money to cover your medical expenses and vehicle part replacement. You may shoulder these expenses, especially when the driver responsible for the accident does not have insurance to cover the costs. When this happens, there are a series of courses to take to resolve the issue and claim compensation for the damages from the accident.
STEP 1: File A Claim Against The At-fault Driver
When hit by an insured driver, you must note all necessary details to build your claim against the at-fault party. These are the steps to collate substantial evidence at an accident scene:
- Exchange information with the driver responsible for the car crash, such as driver’s license, contact details, and home address
- Document all necessary pieces of evidence, such as witness testimony and photos of the scene
- Reach out to a lawyer to help you build your case against the at-fault party
If you decide to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you may be awarded if you win the case. Generally, a cost award from fines and penalties is given to the party that is considered ‘right’ in a case. This award may help the victim financially recover from the damages of the accident, as well as the costs of bringing a lawsuit against the defendant.
Legal penalties for accidents caused by an uninsured driver include:
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Fines and other compensation for the damages
- Jail time
- Having your vehicle impounded
To successfully win the case and receive the awards for the penalties of the case, you will need to determine who is liable for the accident. In addition, proving the severity of the case helps determine the possible consequences of the incident. This may be done by collating medical bills, car part replacement costs, or other expenses from the accident.
However, filing a lawsuit is sometimes not the best option when dealing with a car accident caused by an uninsured driver. In the first place, the driver fails to obtain insurance because they do not have the finances to have one. As a result, if they are found guilty, they may be unable to pay the lawsuit’s fine. In case they are proven guilty. You should explore other options to claim restitution from an accident.
STEP 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
If an uninsured driver hits you, you may inform your insurance provider and ask for insurance coverage. An uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage can help pay for your medical bills and other expenses from an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This type of insurance can cover the following:
- Medication expenses for your bodily injuries
- Medical bills of your passenger from the accident
- Vehicle parts replacement
- Other property damage expenses
While uninsured or underinsured motor vehicle insurance is not required in all states of the United States, it pays to have one, especially when dealing with accidents caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-run cases. Aside from this, you may also check your Medical Pay or other health insurance to compensate for your medical bills or additional health-related costs.
STEP 3: Build a Case Against Other Parties Liable for the Accident
Sometimes, the uninsured driver may not be fully responsible for the car crash. In such cases, an accident may be caused by a third party’s wrongdoing. At-fault third-party scenarios can look like this:
- The automotive company is responsible for defective parts and other products the manufacturer made that failed to meet safety standards.
- The local government failed to fix dangerous road networks or warn pedestrians and drivers of road hazards resulting in car accidents.
In such complex and difficult cases, a personal injury lawyer can investigate all possible causes of the car accident and ensure that all at-fault parties, no matter how large an entity they are, are held accountable. Hiring a legal expert with a proven track record and experience in dealing with accidents is essential to winning a case against uninsured drivers.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Accidents with Uninsured Drivers?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you reach out to the best personal injury lawyer in your area to calculate the total damages of the accident caused by an uninsured driver and successfully pursue the at-fault party. You may also need legal guidance if you come across these circumstances:
- You lack substantial evidence to support your accident claim
- You have limited knowledge in dealing with car accidents
- You want to pursue a case against large companies that can lawyer up
- The uninsured driver flees the scene
In such scenarios, an experienced accident attorney can help fight for your rights. Jacoby and Meyers are lawyers for car accident claims with a proven winning track record who can help you determine the party responsible for the accident and negotiate the settlement you deserve.
Call our office at 800-500-0000 to schedule a free legal consultation to learn more about your options. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you.
