If you've been injured in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured, you may be wondering what to do next. This can be a very frightening and confusing time, especially if you are dealing with serious injuries. In this blog post, we will discuss some of your options and help you navigate through this difficult situation.
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- If you've been injured in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured, here's what you need to do to protect your rights and seek compensation.
- File a claim as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Understand the difference between uninsured and underinsured drivers to know your options for coverage and recovery.
- Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) can protect you if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance, while underinsured motorist coverage helps if their insurance is insufficient.
- Contact your insurance company immediately, gather all necessary information, and consider consulting an attorney to navigate the claims process effectively.
It can be difficult to know what to do when you are injured in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. You may be wondering when you should file a claim. The best time to file a claim is as soon as possible after the accident. This will allow you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Underinsured vs Uninsured: Understanding The Difference
There are two types of motorists who lack sufficient coverage, underinsured and uninsured. The effect is essentially the same from a practical perspective - they lack the insurance coverage to support the victims needs following an auto accident. However they are very different in terms of what happens following an accident.
| Concern: | Uninsured Driver | Underinsured Driver |
|---|---|---|
| No insurance coverage at all. | Insurance coverage exists but is insufficient to cover all costs. | |
| Initial Coverage | No policy to claim from the at-fault driver. | Limited coverage available from the driver's insurance. |
| Medical and Property Expenses | Must rely on personal health insurance, property insurance, or pay out-of-pocket. | Some expenses covered by the driver's insurance; personal coverage needed for the remainder. |
| Expense Recovery and Restitution (Lost Wages, Pain and Suffering) | Difficult to recover; may require suing the driver. | Partial compensation from driver's insurance; may need additional claims or legal action for full recovery. |
Underinsured Drivers:
Those who have no insurance at all and those who have insurance but do not have enough coverage to pay for all of their damages. Underinsured motorists are required by law to have some form of insurance, but their coverage may not be high enough to cover all the damage they caused.
Uninsured Drivers:
Uninsured motorists on the other hand are driving without any form of insurance. Luckily most car insurance policies have options to help you with both scenarios and it is essential that you take a look and make sure what coverage you actually have.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage, or UM coverage, is a kind of auto insurance that can help protect you and your passengers if you are hit by a driver who is underinsured or has insufficient coverage to pay for the costs of the accident. UM Coverage can also help protect you if you were a victim of a hit-and-run driver.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage is a type of automobile insurance that protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the costs of your injuries. This coverage can help to pay for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to understand that underinsured motorist coverage only applies if the other driver is at fault for the accident. Automobile insurance will likely cover your injuries if an uninsured driver hits you.
Many people purchase underinsured motorist coverage because it can be very expensive to sue someone for damages. This coverage can help protect you if the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover your costs.
What To Do When The Driver Lacks Proper Insurance Coverage
There's no difference in terms of your immediate responsibilities and actions following an accident, but here's a reminder of what you should do. In most cases, your insurance company as well as state laws will help support you. For instance, in Ohio you can sue the other driver directly if they lack proper auto insurance. Similarly, most insurance policies offer this as an optional coverage and many insurance agents will help you bundle it with your coverage to make sure you and your family are well protected.
Make Sure You And Your Passengers Are Safe
If you're involved in a car accident with an underinsured driver, it's important to know what to do. If the other driver were at fault, you'd want to get their insurance information, but since they don’t have any insurance coverage, the best way is to contact your insurance company. If you were at fault, you'd want to apologize and offer to pay for any damage done. No matter who is at fault, it's important to stay calm and not make any rash decisions.
Get The Contact Info And Insurance Of The Other Driver
Even if you may be the guilty one, you must get the insurance and contact information for the other driver as well as record their license plate and the time of the accident. This will allow you to avoid any future face-to-face interaction and allow your insurance companies to sort things out instead.
Call The Police And File A Report
Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if you are hurt. If you are not injured, call the police, and gather information from the other drivers involved. The police officer will register the accident's details in the traffic incident report. Additionally, you should get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the mishap and start the claim procedure.
Take Photos And Video Of The Scene, Damages, And The Condition Of Both Vehicles
Things can change quickly and you might remember everything tomorrow so it is essential that you take photos and video of the accident scene, including the condition of both vehicles as well as any immediate injuries that you may have sustained. Some injuries may not be visible so you can record a video describing how you feel and point to any areas that hurt.
When Should You File An Insurance Claim?
If you are in an accident and the other driver is at fault, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage will likely apply. Whether or not you have a collision policy – UM coverage is a standard part of most auto insurance policies.
Your UM policy will likely provide coverage for your medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages up to the limits of your policy. To claim under your UM policy, you will need to provide proof of the accident and proof of damages.
After the accident, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. The company will need to investigate the accident and may need to speak with witnesses or obtain police reports. Once the company has all the necessary information, it can start processing your claim.
If You Need More Help, Contact An Experienced Attorney
If you're one of the many people who avoid filing claims because you're intimidated by the process, you're not alone. Filing a claim can seem daunting, especially if you don't have much legal knowledge. That's where a lawyer comes in. A lawyer can help represent you during the entire process, from start to finish. Not only will this reduce your stress levels, but it also ensures that your claim is filed correctly and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Having as much information as possible in an accident is important to make a claim. This includes having insurance information from all parties involved. However, what happens if you are hit by someone who doesn't have insurance? In this case, you can make a claim for underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help pay for damages that exceed the other driver's liability limits.
Even being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience. In addition to the physical injuries that you may suffer, you may also face expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you've been in a motorcycle accident, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. An attorney can investigate the accident, identify the responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
