How to Handle an Accident Involving an Uninsured Motorist

A car accident is one of the most stressful events most people in Lakewood, Washington, will experience in their lifetimes. What can make it even more stressful is when the other driver doesn’t have insurance. It’s important to know what to do after an uninsured driver accident and how you can protect your rights while still seeking compensation. 

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

Knowing how to handle an uninsured motorist accident is the first step to making yourself whole again once the aftermath has settled down. These are the steps you should take:

• Call 911: After moving all vehicles involved to a safe location, if possible, you should call 911 and report the accident. A police report will be a vital piece of evidence you’ll want to have documented for later.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene of the accident. This includes injuries, damage to the cars, and road conditions. The more you have documented, the easier it will be to reconstruct what happened later. You also want to collect contact information from the other driver and any nearby witnesses. All of the uninsured driver’s information, including their license plate and the make and model of their car, must be documented.
• Call Your Insurance: As soon as you’re able, call your insurance provider and report the accident to them. Ask about uninsured motorist coverage and what your options are.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think your injuries are that bad, make sure you have everything checked out and documented by a doctor. These documents will be necessary for establishing evidence in the future. Keep records of every medical visit and the treatments you receive.
• Talk to a Car Accident Attorney: Speak to a car accident attorney and explain the details of your case to them. An experienced attorney can guide you through your legal options after an uninsured driver accident and help you pursue compensation through means other than the uninsured driver. 

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a rider you can add to your insurance policy at the time of purchase. You can purchase UM bodily injury coverage and UM property damage coverage. Adding this to your policy can help you cover several types of expenses in a car accident where the at-fault driver has no insurance. UM bodily injury coverage offers compensation for medical bills, while UM for property damage covers vehicle repairs. The state of Washington requires all insurance companies to offer UM coverage. However, drivers are not required to carry it. If you have opted out of UM coverage, it’s vital to speak to a lawyer to find out what other options you have to recover compensation. 

Options for Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

After you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you might wonder what your options are to recover compensation from the uninsured driver. You might even think you have none. The good news is there are some options you can look into:

• Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim: Call your insurance company. They’ll let you know if it’s possible to file a claim and how much you can receive.
• Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver: You can file suit against the uninsured motorist directly. If you do this, you might receive compensation straight from the at-fault driver. The challenge in this scenario is that the driver may not have the funds or assets to pay a settlement or verdict, which can make collecting compensation difficult.
• Exploring Other Avenues for Recovery: Other options do exist for help. You can use personal health insurance to cover your medical bills. In case of defective parts that contributed to the collision, you can also seek compensation through other parties, like the vehicle manufacturer.

No matter the details of the situation, accidents with uninsured drivers automatically cause higher levels of stress. If you’ve been involved in one, protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve is essential. 

Contact The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs Today

Any car accident can be frustrating, but the frustration can boil over when the at-fault driver has no insurance. You don’t have to deal with it alone, though. At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, our Lakewood car accident lawyers have a track record for successfully recovering compensation for the losses our clients have suffered in these accidents. We have an established legacy, serving the community with our client-centered approach since 1952. Our experience in personal injury covers a broad spectrum of cases, giving us the knowledge to fight for you with an edge. Call us today at (253) 588-6696 or contact us online for a free consultation and find out what we can do for you.