Have you gotten into a car accident with an uninsured driver?

According to the law, all people who operate a vehicle on the road need to have auto insurance. When the other driver has auto insurance, their insurance company provides coverage when they get into an accident. In fact, if the other person caused the accident, the insurance company will even offer the injured parties a settlement. 

If you get into an accident with a driver who lacks insurance, you end up in a much more difficult spot. Still, you have options, including contacting a car accident attorney. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do!

Don't Wait to Go to the Doctor

If the other driver doesn't have insurance, some people avoid going to the doctor. This is a mistake. Your health and safety should always serve as your first priority after an accident. 

Going to a doctor can actually help you get compensated for your injuries. Medical bills and diagnoses can be used as evidence against the uninsured driver. If you choose to file a lawsuit, you can get a higher settlement.

So, you should keep all your medical bills and request copies of your records. 

File a Police Report

People who are in an accident and don't have insurance might not want to call the authorities. Those without insurance can face legal consequences for not having insurance. 

But you shouldn't let this prevent you from calling the police. In fact, filing a police report will help you establish that the other person is at-fault for the accident. You can use the report later on if you choose to file a suit against the other driver. It will also help you file claims with your own insurance company and get your expenses covered.

When the officer arrives, you should get their name and badge number.

Get the Other Driver's Information

While you wait, swap information with the driver. Even though they don't have insurance, you might need their information when you file claims against them. 

You should also take down the details of their vehicle. Note the make, model, year, and color. If you have your phone on you, take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Your insurance company will likely want to see these photos when they investigate the incident. 

If you file a lawsuit, the photos can also be used as evidence against the uninsured driver. 

Go Through Your Insurance Company

You should also contact your insurance company. Consult your policy to see if it has any uninsured motorist coverage. If it does, your insurance policy will give you a certain amount of money if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver.

Even if you don't have this coverage, you should ask your insurance company to help you out. The company may help you cover the damage to your vehicle and your medical bills. 

If you don't have medical insurance, you should consider purchasing it. That way, when you go to the doctor, your health insurance will help you shoulder the cost.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer

You'll want to call a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. In fact, we recommend contacting an attorney as soon as you've addressed any emergencies and followed the authorities' directions.

Most states have statutes of limitation that restrict how long after an accident you can file a lawsuit. In most states, lawsuits must get filed within 2 years of the incident. For more specific information, check your local laws.

It's best to phone a car accident attorney soon because most lawsuits take time. A car accident lawsuit can last anywhere from months to years. So, if you want to get your money quicker, you should start the process right away.

Is It Worthwhile to Sue an Uninsured Driver?

When you file a lawsuit against an insured driver, your settlement comes from their insurance company. That's how people afford to pay the injured parties thousands of dollars. 

An uninsured driver, though, must pay the amount out of their own finances. This poses a unique challenge. Most people who don't purchase auto insurance don't have the money to afford policies. As such, they may not have the money to pay for your damages.

If they don't, they can file for bankruptcy. Going bankrupt absolves them of their duty to pay for your damages. 

At the same time, you might get more money from the uninsured driver if they can afford to pay. So, you should always consult with a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will have the ability to assess the details of your case and determine whether you should pursue a lawsuit.

Looking for the Right Car Accident Attorney

The car accident attorney you hire matters. The right car accident lawyer will have years of experience. They also will have a history of winning millions of dollars for their clients.

Most car accident attorneys offer free consultations. You should schedule some consultations to meet with the lawyer and ask them questions about your case. Pay attention to their demeanor and decide whether you like them. Working with a lawyer you like will make the lawsuit process feel more pleasant.

Ready to Get a Car Accident Attorney?

If you need to get money from an uninsured driver, you should explore your options. 

Talking to a car accident lawyer will help you determine how to get the compensation you deserve. At Kerley Schaffer, we focus on helping injured drivers use the legal process to cover their expenses.

Want to learn more about how we can help you? Contact us today!