Getting into a car accident is stressful no matter what the circumstances are. When you have been hit by an uninsured driver, the stress level goes up considerably as you are left to wonder who will pay for damages to you and your vehicle. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, keep calm and follow the steps below.
Call the Police
Calling the police at the scene of an accident is wise in most situations, but it is even more essential if you have been hit by an uninsured driver. A police report can assist you in getting the damages to you and your vehicle covered. Additionally, it can help the claims process with your own insurance company go as smoothly as possible.
Exchange Information
Although the person who has hit you does not have car insurance information to provide you with, you can still gather his or her name, address and phone number. Write down the person’s vehicle make and model and note any damage to that vehicle. If any others witnessed the accident, ask them for their name and contact information as well.
Document the Incident
Take photographs of the damages to both cars involved in the accident. Write down exactly what happened as well as the date and time.
Refuse Money
Uninsured drivers have been known to offer cash to the other driver at the scene of an accident. It would be unwise to accept money at this point, since you don’t know what the damage to you or your vehicle will wind up costing. Politely decline any offers of money and do not discuss the possibility of taking cash in the future.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Call your own car insurance company to report the accident. Be sure to clearly state that you were hit by an uninsured driver, as this will impact the claims process. Have your insurance policy number, driver’s license number and the date of the accident ready. If you took photos of the damages and phoned the police as recommended, you should provide all of that information to the claims department.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Unfortunately, it is possible that you could be seriously injured or have significant damage to your car in an accident with an uninsured driver. If you have been hurt by an uninsured driver, a personal injury lawyer, like one from Daniel E. Stuart P.A., will contact you to help you determine if you have grounds for legal action.
Personal injury firms have handled thousands of cases involving all types of accidents including car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle injuries and more! A good lawyer understands how overwhelming this process can be for those who have never experienced such a traumatic event before. It is important for victims to receive fair compensation when they have suffered harm as a result of another person’s actions or inaction so your lawyer will work tirelessly on behalf of each client until every avenue has been explored and every dollar owed under the law has been collected from negligent parties responsible for causing these injuries – no matter how big or small your case may be.
