Auto accidents are devastating and have substantial physical, emotional, and economic effects, from severe injuries to emotional turmoil, loss of quality of life, and property damage. Finding out that the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance can worsen the situation and leave you feeling stranded and distressed. Luckily, an uninsured motorist accident attorney can help you deal with the ordeal and get compensation for any damage. Read on to learn two main options when an uninsured motorist hits you.
Sue an Uninsured Driver
While driving with auto insurance has legal and financial consequences, one in eight drivers don’t have insurance. Among the options when hit by an uninsured motorist is to sue them. Since filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver can be complicated and daunting, a reliable car accident lawyer becomes invaluable and assists in several ways. Firstly, they gather relevant information and documentation, including police reports, pictures of the accident scene, witness statements, and proof of damage.
Secondly, they obtain evidence of liability to prove without reasonable doubt that the other driver acted negligently, thus causing the accident. A lawyer also provides evidence of damages by presenting medical records, bills, and proof of property damage. Also, they can request compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Finally, the attorney builds a persuasive case and presents it in court.
Suing an uninsured driver is only worthwhile if they have enough assets to cater to the losses. Regrettably, many uninsured motorists don’t have the financial ability to pay for the damages. Some drivers lack auto insurance because they can’t afford the high premiums of auto policies. Subsequently, such a motorist can’t afford to repair or replace your vehicle or cover the medical bills emanating from the injuries. Even if a court orders an at-fault driver to compensate you, there’s no guarantee they will do so.
Use Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver can’t pay for damages, accident victims can leverage their own insurance to get compensation. In this case, an auto policy with uninsured motorist coverage becomes invaluable. Most insurance providers allow drivers to buy uninsured motorist coverage in addition to the standard auto insurance. In this coverage, your insurance provider incurs the cost of any damage the at-fault driver should have covered. It pays for property damage as well as reasonable and necessary medical expenses.
Although some states do not require motorists to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, it is highly recommended. The policy is handy to compensate for damage and injury from a phantom vehicle or hit-and-run accident. A phantom car is one causing injury or damage without physical contact. For instance, one that swerves into your lane, resulting in a crash as you avoid it. Also, uninsured motorist coverage spares you from incurring substantial pocket costs due to injuries and damages you are not at fault for.
You may wonder, what if your auto policy does not have uninsured motorist coverage? In this case, you can use other coverages, such as collision coverage and personal injury protection. The former helps repair your damaged vehicle, while the latter caters for injuries from an accident. Health insurance cover can also pay the medical expenses of injuries sustained. People who don’t have any of this coverage pay for repairs and medical bills out of their pockets.
After a crash with an uninsured motorist, you only have two options. You can sue the at-fault driver for damages if they have adequate assets or financial capacity. If not, victims can take advantage of their uninsured motorist policy or collision coverage. A trustworthy uninsured motorist lawyer can help you review your options and determine the best one for your unique case.
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