According to the Insurance Research Council, at least 16 percent of all drivers throughout the United States are uninsured. This means that in any given collision, your chances of the other driver being uninsured are around one in six. In some areas, however, these figures are much higher. For example, in California, one of every four drivers is uninsured.
If you are part of an accident involving uninsured driver, passenger or other party, it is important to know what to do to protect your rights and maximize your chances of collecting monetary damages for your injuries and property loss.
Accident Involving Uninsured Driver: What To Do
Here is a short checklist of “dos and don’ts” that you should follow if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Above all, be sure to document every aspect of your case if possible and save all of your medical records and proof of other expenses. You may need these in order to file a claim or to show to a personal injury attorney if you are forced to file a lawsuit.
1) Gather all the information possible from the other driver and witnesses. Following our checklist on what to do after a car accident will ensure that you document and collect all the necessary information as well as keep yourself and others safe. If the driver claims to have insurance but does not have proof, take a name, address, telephone number and write down the vehicle’s license plate number. Be sure to get a copy of the accident report from the police as soon as it is available and review it carefully for accuracy. It is also helpful to take photographs at the scene of the driver and property damage.
2) Report the accident to your insurance company. Many people fail to report an accident to their own insurance company if they are not at fault. This is a mistake, since your uninsured motorist policy may wind up paying the damages. Even if you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, it is important to report the accident as soon as possible. You may be able to help you collect damages from the other party or from someone else with liability in the case.
3) Speak to a personal injury attorney in Orlando or Lakeland. A personal injury attorney in Orlando or Lakeland may be able to help you recover compensation even if the person who is at fault for the accident is uninsured. We have outlined the steps to filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in another article. A personal injury attorney can represent you in a lawsuit against the driver or any other party that may have liability or available insurance coverage.
Contact a personal injury attorney immediately if you have been injured in any type of car accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, loss wages and other expenses. At David & Philpot, P.L. our Orlando and Lakeland accident attorneys specialize in helping victims of auto and truck accidents in Florida. Call us at 800 360-7015 or fill out our free case evaluation form today and we will get right back with you.
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