Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but it can be even more complicated if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. In these situations, it can be more difficult to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Fortunately, the car accident lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you handle these challenges and pursue the compensation you deserve, even if the responsible driver doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage.
What Is an Uninsured Driver?
An uninsured driver is someone who causes an accident but does not have any car insurance coverage at all. They might not have purchased the required car insurance, or their policy may have lapsed due to non-payment. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it can be particularly challenging to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage, as there is no insurance coverage to claim against.
What Is an Underinsured Driver?
An underinsured driver is someone who has car insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to fully cover the costs of the accident, including your medical bills, property damage, and other damages. For example, if an underinsured driver has a policy with only $25,000 in coverage but your injuries and property damage amount to $75,000, the underinsured driver’s insurance will only cover a fraction of your costs. In such cases, you may need to seek compensation from your own insurance policy or pursue legal action against the underinsured driver.
How Can I Protect Myself from Uninsured Drivers?
One of the best ways to protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured drivers is by purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This type of coverage helps pay for your injuries and damages if the driver who caused the accident does not have enough insurance—or any insurance at all.
What Should I Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, follow these steps to protect your rights:
Call the police. It’s important to report the accident, especially if the driver is uninsured. A police report can help document the accident and provide evidence of who was at fault.
Collect information. Gather as much information as possible from the uninsured driver, including their name, contact details, and any other identifying information (like their driver’s license number and vehicle registration). If the driver refuses to provide their information, this could be an important factor to bring up with your lawyer.
Take photos. Document the scene of the accident, including vehicle damage, any injuries, and relevant road conditions. Take photos of the other driver’s vehicle and license plate, as well as any visible injuries.
Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s crucial to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
Contact your insurance company. Notify your own insurance company about the accident. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurer can help guide you through the claims process.
Can I Sue an Uninsured Driver for Damages?
Yes, you can sue an uninsured driver for damages. However, suing an uninsured driver can be difficult if they don’t have assets or income to pay a judgment. This is why having uninsured motorist coverage is essential—it provides an additional layer of protection when you’re dealing with a driver who cannot pay for your damages.
If you’re considering a lawsuit, working with a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended, as they can help you assess the likelihood of collecting damages and guide you through the process.
Can a Car Crash Attorney Help Me Recover Compensation After Being Involved in an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?
Yes, the car accident lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can play a critical role in helping you recover compensation after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue compensation through your own insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s assets, or by filing a lawsuitif necessary.
Our team will work to maximize your compensation by:
Investigating the accident. We’ll gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and review the police report to build a strong case.
Negotiating with insurance companies. We will deal with your insurance company and the underinsured driver’s insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a lawsuit. If necessary, we’ll help you pursue legal action against the uninsured or underinsured driver to recover damages.
Maximize Your Compensation – Start with a Free Consultation!
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t face the challenges of recovering compensation alone. The auto accident attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case, and we don’t charge fees unless we win. Let us help you understand your options and take the next steps toward securing the compensation you need to recover from your accident.
Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your journey toward justice.
