A car accident is a terrible, traumatic experience for anyone. However, it’s even worse when the driver responsible for the crash doesn’t have auto insurance. This results in you being left to deal with having to deal with your own insurance company if you suffer injuries and damage to your vehicle. It’s important to know what you have to do if you are in such a situation.
In some cases, the driver who caused the accident might simply flee the scene. In a hit-and-run, things can get even trickier. There are several tips you can use that can help you when you are dealing with an uninsured driver.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH THE OTHER DRIVER
If the other driver remains at the scene of the car accident, you should exchange information with them. This should include their full name, phone number, address, and insurance information. If the individual does not have insurance or has a limited policy, you will have to go through your own uninsured or under insured motorist coverage through your auto insurance policy. Unfortunately, you may not immediately know the other driver lacks insurance as this information can come up later.
CALL 911
Call 911 to ensure that the police and emergency medical services arrive at the scene of the accident. It’s important to be checked by medical professionals even if you don’t initially feel as though you have been injured. Sometimes, adrenaline is running so high, you may not realize you have suffered a serious injury. The police should come to make a police report and will ask you questions as well as survey the scene. Later, you will also be able to obtain a copy of the police report to use as evidence when you choose to file a personal injury claim.
GATHER OTHER EVIDENCE
If you are physically able to do so, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident. Make sure to snap a few of the vehicles, the road, skid marks on the road, the road conditions, traffic, weather conditions, and other property damage if there is any. You should also speak with witnesses to the accident and get their names and contact information as well as their statements regarding what they saw.
CHECK YOUR INSURANCE POLICY FOR UNINSURED DRIVER COVERAGE
Even if you believe you do have uninsured and under insured motorist coverage with your auto insurance policy, it’s important to check to ensure this is indeed the case. You will also have to contact your insurance company to inform an agent about the accident. A lot of drivers don’t realize they do have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their policy. If the other driver lacks insurance or sufficient insurance and is unable to pay out of their own pocket, this is your only option for recovering compensation.
GET HELP FROM AN ATTORNEY TODAY
Finally, it is very important to get in touch with an attorney to explain your situation. You can receive vital legal advice and learn whether you have a claim. The lawyer can also help you to learn what course of action you can take due to the other driver lacking insurance or not having enough of it.
If you are in California and suffered injuries after an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s imperative that you speak with Sachs Law and a California or Nevada attorney. Contact Sachs Law to discuss your case with an experienced attorney at your earliest convenience.
Give our car accident attorneys at Sachs Law a call today at (833) MVP-WINS for a free initial consultation.
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