If you were injured in a car accident caused by the other party, you’ll typically file a claim with his or her insurance company. What should you do if the driver responsible for the accident is uninsured? The following are some steps you should take.
File a Police Report
If anyone was injured in the accident, you’ll need to call the authorities at the scene of the incident. If any injuries are life-threatening, it’s important you call 911 to seek emergency assistance. When a police officer arrives at the scene, he or she will begin to assess the situation. Statements will be taken from both parties, as well as from witnesses.
If for some reason there isn’t an officer that responds to your accident, you should go to the police department as soon as possible to file a report. This is typically only applicable in very rural or desert areas where a police presence is low.
Contact Your Own Insurance Provider
If you’re properly insured, you should have coverage called “uninsured or underinsured motorist.” Many insurance companies cap the amount at the same amount you carry in liability. For example, if your liability coverage is $100,000, you’ll also have $100,000 or less in uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Not every insurance company functions this way, so be sure you speak with your insurer to find out how much coverage you have.
Seek Financial Assistance
More than likely, you’ll need to seek financial assistance to help you pay medical bills after your accident with an uninsured driver. Though you might seek compensation through a lawsuit, there are some other ways to get those bills paid in the meantime. For example, you could seek Medicaid or Medicare coverage if you fall within a certain income bracket. You could speak with your medical providers about discounts or a payment plan. You could also turn to PIP if you are properly insured yourself.
Contact a Lawyer to File a Lawsuit
If the driver who caused your accident is uninsured, you could end up paying for more than your fair share in the case of injuries and property damage. A car accident lawyer may be able to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Keep in mind, many people who are uninsured also don’t have the assets required to pull a settlement from. Your lawyer can help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money to pursue a case. Contact a car accident lawyer, like from Barry P. Goldberg, today.