Hit By an Uninsured Driver? Top 5 Dos and Don’ts
Filing a claim after an accident can get complicated when the person you were in the collision with has no insurance. It can be stressful discovering that the other driver has nothing to cover damages, especially if they are at fault for the crash. Fortunately, there are some ways to protect yourself and your rights. Here are the top dos and don’ts when you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured motorist.
- Don’t Panic
When you get out of your car to check for injuries and exchange information with the other driver, don’t panic when you find out they don’t have insurance. There are several safeguards for this exact situation, from uninsured motorist coverage to personal injury protection. As a very last resort, you can file a lawsuit if necessary. For now, get the person’s contact information so that you can call them in the future.
- Do Call the Police
An uninsured driver may try to talk you out of getting a police officer at the scene of the accident. They may be worried about getting in trouble for not having insurance. Don’t let them convince you not to call. A police report can be invaluable in determining fault and making a claim with insurance. Some states don’t even allow you to make a claim without a police report.
- Don’t Accept Money
Knowing they don’t have insurance to cover your damages after they caused the collision, the other driver may offer you money upfront to keep you from making a claim or reporting them. It is never a good idea to take money from the other driver. You have no idea how much damages or injuries will cost you in the long run, and accepting money now could compromise your ability to make a real claim for the actual amount you need later.
- Do Call Your Insurance
Inform your insurance company of the accident right away. They can give immediate next steps at the accident scene so that you don’t make mistakes that could affect your chances of getting compensated. It’s important to let them know that the other driver is uninsured.
- Do Contact a Lawyer
Trouble can arise at any time after you file a car accident claim, and some problems may require legal help to overcome. Reaching out to a hit-and-run accident lawyer Lakeland FL from a law firm like David & Philpot, PL for a discussion about your situation can put your mind at ease, even if you choose not to hire them.