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How to Deal With Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists After an Accident

An enormous amount of auto accidents happen every day. Because of the large number of drivers on the roads, the chances that you will eventually get into an accident at some point in your life are very high. In the United States, the law requires drivers to carry insurance. However, literally millions of people disobey this law and drive without insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it is important to know what to do.

1. Contact the police

All drivers involved in a collision should call the police right away. This is important because you will need everything regarding the accident to be documented for any future insurance claims. Do not move any of the vehicles. Leave the scene intact so the police can write an accurate report. Insurance companies use police reports to figure out the amount of damages to be paid.

2. Obtain the other driver's contact information

This is a critical step because even if the other driver is uninsured, many insurance companies need the uninsured driver to sign a statement that he or she is uninsured. If they do not receive this signed statement, they will not pay any Uninsured Motorist compensation to you. Get the name, address, phone number and email address of everyone involved.

3. Call your insurance company

Once you have the contact information of the other driver and the written police report, call your insurance company to begin the process of filing your claim and receiving your compensation. If the other driver is at fault, your rates will not go up. If you require a lawyer that specializes in dealing with uninsured drivers, your insurance company can recommend one to you.

4. Call a lawyer

It is important that the lawyer you consult with have experience with uninsured drivers. They will tell you what options you have if you decide to go forward with a case. Attorneys at Braithwaite Boyle Accident Injury Law will tell you that cases involving uninsured drivers can sometimes get ugly. It is important for you to understand that insurance companies are businesses. Their number one priority is making money, not the well-being of their clients. Therefore, they will often attempt to minimize accident damages. They will even resort to hiring an attorney to defend the uninsured driver, in an attempt to pay as little money as possible. This is why having the proper legal guidance is critical.

Nobody knows when an auto accident will happen. Being prepared and knowing what to do can save you a great deal of time and effort. Uninsured motorists are everywhere, so follow these steps if you are ever involved in an accident with one of them.

Written by: Lizzie Weakley