Kayley was distressed when her Volkswagen was demolished in a car collision. She also spent two weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries. On top of all this, she soon learned that Adam, the driver who had caused all this mayhem, did not have any automobile insurance. Kayley contacted an attorney and started learning more about how to deal with an uninsured motorist.
Uninsured Motorist Defined
Surprisingly, the word ‘uninsured’ can be defined in several ways when it applies to drivers. An uninsured driver can be someone who:
- Does not have any liability car insurance,
- Does not carry enough insurance,
- Bought insurance from a company that has now gone out of business or that refuses to provide coverage for your accident.
Your insurance status may also matter.
A Word About Insurance Coverage
Most insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage. Some states, like Illinois, require that you buy insurance to cover physical injuries. Michigan, however, does not require this coverage. Indiana insurers must offer the coverage, but people are not required to buy it.
Whether you have uninsured motorist coverage or not, you can take steps to deal with the damages you suffered from your collision.
At the Scene
As a general rule, you need to get contact information and insurance details from the other drivers at the scene of your accident. An uninsured motorist may provide false information or just admit they do not have automobile insurance. Gather as much information as you can. You might mention the uninsured status to police officers at the scene, but they will probably learn that on their own.
Remember to stay safe, be careful what you say, and don’t escalate the situation. You can deal with the uninsured motorist in a safer place – like an attorney’s office or a courtroom.
Personal Injury and the Uninsured Motorist
In some cases, you and your attorney will be able to get at least some compensation from the insurance company. This can happen when the other driver is merely underinsured. However, with an uninsured motorist, you might have to consider whether to file a lawsuit or not. You and your personal injury attorney can discuss the facts of your case and determine the best course of action.
And that likely is the best way to deal with an uninsured motorist – hire a personal injury attorney with car accident experience.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Personal Injury Claims
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.