A car accident is every driver’s worst nightmare. It is something that you hope never happens to you, but the unfortunate reality is that the probability of a crash while you are a driver or passenger is high. What can make matters even more confusing is if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have car insurance. While most states require drivers to carry some form of automobile insurance, there are some people who ignore this law and drive anyways. If you are in an accident with someone without insurance, there are several steps you can take in order to protect yourself and repair your car with minimal out of pocket expense.

1: Be Properly Insured

In the event of a car crash with another driver who doesn’t have insurance, your best form of protection is to have a strong insurance policy yourself. Most insurance companies provide, for an extra fee, what is called uninsured motorist coverage. This will protect you in situations where you might otherwise have to pay out-of-pocket for damages to your vehicle.

2: Contact the Police

If you are involved in an accident where the other driver does not have insurance, contacting the local police is a necessary step. Filing a report will help to protect you if you have trouble down the road with paying your medical or car repair expenses and will also encourage the individual who was at fault for the accident to do the right thing and pay for your repairs.

3: Don’t Take Cash at the Scene of the Accident

Estimating the true cost of repairs can be a timely and extensive process. If you find yourself in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance, never offer to take cash for repairs on the spot. You most likely will be grossly underpaid and that would also hinder your ability to file a lawsuit if you find that a necessary step in the future.

4: File a Lawsuit

Depending on the type of state you live in (fault or no-fault) when it comes to car accidents, you may have the option of filing a lawsuit to reclaim the money lost from damages. If you live in a no-fault state, you may be restricted from suing the other driver unless serious bodily injury resulted in substantial medical bills. In fault states, however, you have more freedom to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver who caused the accident.

Car accidents are events that we all hope to avoid but, unfortunately, are a reality for the majority of the population. It is important to know your options if you are hit by an uninsured driver. Contact our law office for more information as to your legal options in these unfortunate situations.

Sources:
https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/2663/crash-uninsured-driver/
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-other-driver-doesnt-have-car-insurance-now-what.html