What Are Your Options If You are Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
According to the Insurance Research CouncilAround, around 1 in 8 American drivers lack insurance. Research by the Insurance Information Institute has found that uninsured drivers are more likely to cause accidents compared to insured drivers. However, an uninsured driver can still be held accountable for accident-related losses even if they do not have insurance. If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, below are a few steps you can follow in an attempt to seek compensation:
- File a Police Report
- File a Claim with Your Own Insurance
- Pursue Legal Action
- Seek Assistance from the State
File a Police Report
If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it's crucial you file a police report as soon as possible. To report the accident, dial 911 or call the local police station. The first step is to inform them of the accident's location, any injuries, and whether any vehicles obstruct traffic. Provide the police with your driver's license, vehicle registration, and details about your insurance when they arrive on the scene. Moreover, include any details about the uninsured driver, including their name, address, and contact information. Inform the police officer of what happened, including any specifics regarding the accident's cause, the involved vehicles, and any injuries. The police officer will provide you with a copy of the police report once they have recorded all the pertinent data. Save a copy of this report for your records. This will come in handy when it comes down to making an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. When talking with the police officer, keep your composure and cooperate with them. Giving them precise and comprehensive information will enable them to accurately record the incident and give you the evidence you need to support your insurance claim or legal action.
File a Claim With Your Own Insurance
If you have uninsured motorist coverage and an uninsured driver hits you, your insurance should pay for the damages. Directly after the collision, contact your insurance provider to report the incident. If available, provide them with all the accident information, including the uninsured driver's information. You'll probably be asked to submit a claim by your insurance provider to start the process. Provide as many details as possible about the situation and the resulting injuries/damages. A police report, photographs of the damage, or other documentary evidence of the accident may be required by your insurance company. Your insurance provider will assess the severity of the damages and provide you with a settlement offer once they have acquired all the necessary information. If you believe the offer does not appropriately account for your damages, you should continue negotiations. To ensure a quick and easy claims procedure, it's critical to collaborate closely with your insurance provider and provide them with all relevant information.
Seek Assistance from the State
You can ask the state for help if an uninsured driver has struck you. The first step is to see if your state provides assistance programs for people who have been injured by uninsured drivers. You can accomplish this by contacting your state's insurance or motor vehicle departments. They can give you details about programs that can be helpful. To back up your argument, you must collect supporting evidence. A police report, medical bills, and other proof of damages may be included. Next, you must submit an application for aid after finding a program that can be of assistance. This can entail completing an application and supplying proof of your damages. After submitting your application, you must wait for the program to respond. Be patient because this could take some time. If your application is accepted, you will get support through money or aid with your medical expenditures.
Pursue Legal Action
You may choose to pursue legal action if you are struck by an uninsured driver and sustain considerable losses. Finding a personal injury lawyer is the first step in pursuing legal action. Seek out a lawyer who has experience handling cases that involve uninsured drivers. To prove your case, your attorney will need to acquire proof. This could be photos of the accident site, witness testimonies, medical records, or any other evidence that backs up your claim. The uninsured driver will be the target of a lawsuit brought by your counsel, which could entail bringing a civil case or a claim in small claims court. You'll likely have to appear in court proceedings and testify to support your claim. In a civil case, your attorney will also be present in court and will advocate on your behalf. If you prevail in your legal claim, you might receive compensation for your accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Forward Law Group is here to guide you in such matters and provide you with the representation you need to collect on your damages.
Forward Law Group - Professional Lawyers to Help You Navigate through the Legal System
To prevail in your case, engaging with a professional personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you are entitled to is crucial. Forward Law Group can confidently provide you with representation against an uninsured driver. They can help you achieve your desired outcome and move forward in peace. For more information or if you have any questions, feel free to call us today at (818) 471-8389!
Also Read: The Importance Of Documenting Evidence In A Personal Injury Case
