Having a car accident is never fun. Getting hurt in one makes matters even worse. In addition to dealing with the insurance company, you have to cope with the physical, emotional and financial repercussions of the crash. This can be extremely stressful – especially if you are unable to work while you are recovering.
Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury lawyer may be able to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. Or you may be able to get compensation for your economic and non-economic losses at trial.
But what if the driver responsible for the accident is uninsured? Can you still get the compensation you deserve?
Be proactive about getting information at the accident scene
Exchanging information with the other driver after a car accident is always important. It is no different if the driver is uninsured. If at all possible, be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and license plate number. Don’t forget to document the scene and all relevant damage using your smart phone or another camera.
Don’t assume that witnesses (if there are any) called 9-1-1, and don’t hesitate to call law enforcement yourself – especially if the other driver isn’t cooperating. That way you’ll be able to get an official accident report – which could come in handy later. If police verify the driver is uninsured, he or she will likely be cited under applicable laws.
Check your own car insurance policy
You may be able to secure the compensation you need through your own insurance. This is more likely if you have extra policies for use in this situation. One is an underinsured motorist policy. This policy kicks in if the driver who caused the accident does not have enough insurance to cover your losses. The other – which is more relevant here – is the uninsured motorist policy. It comes into play when the at-fault driver does not have any insurance at all.
Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company may be reluctant to pay your full claim. But that’s where we come in. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers have the skills and experience to ensure that you get the possible payout from your insurance company if the other driver was uninsured.
Additional options
But what if the other driver is uninsured and you don’t have an uninsured motorist policy? Even in this case, all is not lost. You may still be able to be reimbursed for your medical costs and other expenses through your own insurance. Specifically, your collision or health insurance may offer some relief.
If not, consult a personal injury attorney about your legal options. At the Law Office of Parag L. Amin P.C., we can quickly and easily assess your situation to establish whether you have a viable claim. If so, we give you the information you need to make an informed decision about how to proceed. Then, if you decided go forward, we will fight to secure a judgment against the uninsured driver. Contact us to learn more.
