Being involved in a car accident is an overwhelming and dangerous situation nobody wants to experience. It becomes even more stressful when it is discovered the other driver involved is uninsured. Even though liability insurance is required to drive a vehicle legally, some still get behind the wheel without proper insurance. In these situations, you must be prepared and know what to do after the accident.
What You Should Do
If you find yourself being rear-ended by another driver with significant damage to the back of your car and then discover the at-fault driver does not have insurance, there are specific steps you can take to ensure you cover your basis.
The first step is to contact the police immediately after the accident. Whether the other driver has insurance or not, it is always a good idea to contact the police. But if the other driver is uninsured, it is even more crucial that you call them so that their report can help cover your expenses. It will also be helpful to look into an accident attorney later to help you receive proper reimbursement.
You will also want to swap information with the other driver. Even though they do not have insurance information, you will still want to get their contact information and details about their vehicle. It will also be helpful to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles or anything else that you believe will help your case. Make sure to also gather as many details as possible, like the make and model of the uninsured driver’s vehicle, as well as the time and location of the accident.
One big thing to never do is accept money from an uninsured driver. Sometimes if someone does not have car insurance and causes an accident, they may be desperate to avoid any hefty fines or fees, so they offer you money. It may be tempting but do not accept their money and follow the proper steps.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Once you have gathered all the information from the accident, the next step is to file a claim with your insurance company. But, again, communicate with them first that you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
When you meet with your insurance agent, ensure you have your insurance information and all the information you gathered at the scene of the accident. This includes the other driver’s information, such as their name, contact information, and anything else that the other driver gave you. You will also want to share the information you gathered from the police officer on the scene.
If You Are In a No-Fault State
If you are involved in an accident in a no-fault state, then the process for your insurance claim may look a bit different.
No-fault insurance means that your insurance provider will pay for some or all of your initial medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. So, either way, if the driver is insured or not, you will file a claim with your insurance company.
When you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, it is essential to follow these steps to ensure you receive proper reimbursement.
