Even though vehicle insurance is required in every state, you’d be surprised how many drivers are uninsured these days. Chances to be hit by such a driver vary greatly from one state to another but according to official statistics, one in seven people you meet on the road do not have insurance.
As if a car crash is not bad enough at all, dealing with an uninsured person could be even more confusing and stressful. Trapped in such a challenging situation, you might have a lot of worries, wondering how you are supposed to pay staggering medical bills or repairment of your damaged car.
Fortunately, it is too early to be desperate – here is everything you need to know (and to do) to handle the accident that involved an uninsured driver properly and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What To Do Right After The Accident
Call 911 and do not waste time – start gathering important information immediately.
First, write down essential details such as the name, address, and driver’s license number of the other driver, as well as the license plate numbers of the cars involved. Then, look for the damage done to the vehicles, try to describe it in the tiniest details, and, of course, use your smartphone to take quality pictures.
Do not forget…
…to record the time and location of the accident. If the other driver does not want to cooperate and give you out all the necessary information, do not start an argument – stay calm and wait for the police instead.
Once the police arrive, they will make every effort to determine how the accident happened by talking to you, the other driver, and eventual witnesses that can help piece everything together. Next, they will create a police report intended to describe precisely what happened and identify who was at fault.
Take a look at your statement to make sure it has been written correctly and pay a visit to the police office shortly afterward to get a copy of the report.
How To Deal With Your Insurance Company
Although the police will send a copy of the report to your insurance company, it is a great idea to notify them immediately in order to ensure the acceptance of your claim. Sometimes, when people wait for too long to file a claim, insurance companies may simply deny them.
Just a heads up…
…it is very important that you do not make any recorded statements regarding the crash until you have an attorney. Why? Well, quite simple, having a car insurance company is a business like any other, therefore it comes as no surprise, people who run it aim to pay out the least possible amount.
On the other side, your goal is to get the maximum out of your car insurance to cover your injuries and the costs to repair damages to your vehicle. The practice, however, shows that people hardly can do it without professional advice, all the more so, insurance companies request for a multitude of various papers to approve reimbursement.
In line with this, they will ask you for your medical records and bills as proof of your injuries, as well as for quotes and bills from auto repair shops to see how it fits your auto policy.
Why You Need A Lawyer
Dealing with your car insurance company can be really frustrating and incredibly time-consuming, especially in case you were hit by an uninsured driver.
Attorney Scott Davis, from https://www.noogalaw.com/, who has been helping injured motorists in Tennessee and Georgia for years, says that an experienced car accident lawyer can get his client the compensation he deserves. What’s more, taking advantage of expertise in negotiations with insurance companies, such a specialist can ensure the fairest amount of compensation possible in the shortest amount of time.
The benefits are obvious…
…you do not need to go through the complicated and often unpleasant process alone, ending up unsatisfied with the outcome. With the help of a seasoned car accident attorney, you will have a hassle-free experience and full recovery of all your damages (medical bills, damaged vehicle costs, lost wages, and other related costs) as a final result.
In addition to that, you will be advised whether or not it’s in your best interests to sue the uninsured driver in a personal injury lawsuit.
It’s never easy to fight on your own but it’s especially hard when you’ve been injured in an accident. That’s why hiring a qualified lawyer is the best move you can make. At the end of the day, it might mean the difference between a minimum payout and a maximum settlement.