English
Spanish
Becoming involved in a crash with an uninsured driver is high on the list of every responsible motorist’s worst nightmares. After all, if the other party carries no insurance, you may end up being stuck with the cost of extensive vehicle repairs or even replacement, not to mention the possible costs of any associated medical treatments. Fortunately, however, strategies designed to assist drivers in navigating the murky aftermath of getting into car accidents with an uninsured driver. Here’s what you need to do:
Contact Local Law Enforcement
Even though those involved in car accidents are required to file a police report within a specified period of time, it’s particularly important to do when an uninsured driver is part of the picture. If possible, call the police from the scene of the accident. After all, driving without being properly insured is a violation of the law, so even if the accident was minor and didn’t involve any injuries, the police should still be summoned. Be sure to get as much information as possible from the other driver and don’t hesitate to write down his or her license plate number.
Exchange Information
It’s customary that those involved in car accidents exchange information at immediately following the accident provided immediate medical attention is not required for anyone involved. Keep in mind that the other party probably won’t be forthcoming about not having insurance while at the scene of the accident — you may not discover this fact until negotiations with your own insurance company begin. However, if the other person claims to be insured but doesn’t have the papers on him or her at the time, it’s best to treat the situation as if the person were uninsured. Don’t forget to ask any and all witnesses for their contact information as well, and write down any piece of information about the situation while it’s still fresh in your mind — insurance cases are often won on the strength of just this type of information, so err on the side of caution when dealing with the details by writing them all down. Taking photographs of your vehicle is also advisable.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after car accidents is always a wise way to go, but it may be particularly important to alert them early on that they may be dealing with a case involving an uninsured driver. If you’ve got uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, your agent can help get the wheels in motion to get any applicable repair and medical bills covered. If your policy doesn’t include coverage for uninsured motorists, your agent can advise you on how to proceed so that you’ll be out as little money as possible. However, your insurance company may try to deny the claim to get out of paying you — this is where careful collecting of details and contact information immediately after car accidents occur. Having as much proof as possible allows professional, experienced car accident attorneys to successfully fight your insurance company on your behalf in the event that they attempt to hold out on you.
Because car accidents are stressful experiences, it’s often easy to let yourself become overly rattled by insurance agents. Remember, even if they act like they’re working on your behalf, the ultimate goal of your insurance company is to pay out on claims as little as possible. If you find yourself becoming frustrated by your insurance agent’s unwillingness to settle your claim in your favor, it’s time for the services of a qualified lawyer who is used to dealing with insurance companies. If you or anyone that you love has been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, please don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at GOM law offices for a completely free consultation and evaluation of your case. We’re familiar with all the tricks that insurance companies use when trying to discourage customers from pursuing claims, and we’ll work hard to ensure that you get what’s rightfully yours.