Try to convince the other driver not to leave the scene before the police arrive, but do not do anything overt or put your life in danger. You should then contact your insurance company and let them know about the accident. Do not reveal too much information until you have spoken with an attorney. Next, call a car accident lawyer to discuss your options for recovering compensation—they can vary depending on your state and the nature of your accident.
A car accident lawyer will fight for the rights of car accident victims. They can help you recover compensation from the uninsured driver who hit you. Car accident attorneys will help you determine how to go about getting paid and work through each option, handling the entire legal process so that you can focus on getting better.
What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
The Insurance Information Institute recommends some basic steps for what to do at the scene of an accident. For one, it is common to exchange insurance information, so both parties are protected and do not have to pay out of pocket for their damages. Depending on your state, you might be able to recover the entire sum from the other party’s insurer, especially if they were at fault for the accident. In other states, you have to file a claim with your own insurance company first. Typically you can pursue the other driver’s insurer for anything above and beyond what your policy covers.
What happens, though, if you ask the other driver for their insurance information, and they give you a blank stare and a shrug? Getting into an accident with an uninsured driver can be a frustrating experience.
Every month, you faithfully pay your insurance premium to protect yourself and anyone else you might encounter on the road, yet this person shirked their responsibility and now you might pay the price.
Recovering compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver does not have to be frustrating or stressful. You can make the process easier by taking the following steps after an accident:
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Call the Police
When the accident is minor, it is often customary to exchange contact and insurance information, and then part ways—particularly if both vehicles are still drivable. When the other driver does not have insurance that changes the calculation. You should ask them not to drive away without filing a police report. Write down or enter their license number into your phone immediately in case they try to take off. When the police arrive, explain what happened and that the other driver is uninsured. The police report will help your lawyer build your case for recovery damages.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should call and let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible—preferably the same day. They can be easier to work with if you notify them right away. Waiting days or weeks to let your insurance company know about an accident raises red flags and opens the door for them to question your motives. Insurance companies can be tough enough to deal with; do not give them another reason to try to deny or reduce your compensation.
That said, watch what you say to your insurance company; be careful not to divulge too much information or allow them to take control of the conversation. Simply let the insurance company know you were in an accident, the other party did not have insurance, and they will be receiving a call from your lawyer soon.
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Speak With a Lawyer
It is a good idea to at least speak with an attorney after a car accident with an uninsured driver. The rules vary from state to state, and a lawyer can evaluate your situation and explain the different courses of action available to you. A car accident attorney with the Morris Bart law firm will work on a no-win-no-fee basis for car accident victims, including those hit by uninsured drivers. That means you can get a full case evaluation without paying a dime out of pocket. In fact, you do not pay us anything until we win money for you.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC
Morris Bart, LLC can help you recover the compensation to which you may be entitled after an accident with an uninsured driver. For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call us at 800-537-8185.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.