An estimated 14% of drivers in the United States do not have auto insurance on their vehicles. So, what happens if you get into an accident with one of these uninsured drivers? If they are at fault, they still have liability for your damages and injuries. However, getting compensation from them can be a little more challenging.
Dive into the details below to learn more about what to do after an accident with an uninsured driver. You have a few options for getting compensation for your damages, although some options may be a little challenging. Keep reading below for all the details.
Compensation Options After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
After a car accident, you likely have many types of losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. If the at-fault driver has liability insurance, their insurance will cover these losses. However, if they don’t have insurance, things can get a little more complicated.
Here are your options for getting compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver:
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy, you can file a claim with your insurance company. In Louisiana, this coverage is not mandatory, although insurance companies must include this coverage with all auto policies. If you decide to decline uninsured motorist coverage, you must do so in writing.
With the large number of drivers on the road without insurance, it is always a good idea to maintain your uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage can pay for both your economic and non-economic damages in the event that you suffer damages caused by an uninsured motorist.
Underinsured Motorist Insurance
In some cases, the other driver may have had insurance, but it might not be enough to cover all your damages. Most uninsured motorist policies also include underinsured motorist coverage.
This means you could get compensation from both the at-fault driver’s insurance company and your own insurance company. Additionally, you may be able to stack coverage if you have uninsured motorist coverage on more than one vehicle.
Sue the Uninsured Driver
Another option for getting compensation after your accident is to sue the uninsured driver. Even though the driver does not have insurance, they are still legally responsible for your damages if they caused the accident.
If you decide to sue, you are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Depression
- Anxiety
In some cases, getting your money could be difficult even if you win the lawsuit against the uninsured driver. If they do not have the money or assets to pay the judgment, you could still be left dealing with your expenses on your own.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you through this process. There are also additional ways to obtain your money after a judgment, such as garnishing their wages or bank accounts. This can be a tedious and lengthy process, and you will almost certainly need a lawyer to help.
What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you’ll need to take several important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries, and call 911 if passengers or other victims are hurt.
- Notify the police so they can create an official accident report. This documentation can support your insurance claim, and the uninsured driver may be cited.
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos, witness contact information, and details about the vehicles involved.
- Contact your insurance company promptly, as you may need to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
- Consult with an experienced car accident attorney to help you understand your options and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps early on can help ensure a smoother recovery—both physically and financially—after a collision with an uninsured driver.
Contact Our Lafayette Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
If you have been hit by an uninsured driver, go ahead and contact Kenny Habetz Injury Law today. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims, and we are ready to help you, too. Give us a call now at (337) 399-9000 to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette car accident attorney who can answer all your questions and handle every aspect of your claim for you.
