What if the Driver Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?

An auto accident is always stressful, but it can be even more so when you find out the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. Although insurance is mandatory in most states, it’s estimated that around 7% of all drivers don’t have insurance. What can you do when you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance?

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Regardless of whether the accident was your fault or not, your first step after an accident is to report it to your insurance company. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, most insurance policies have a clause in which you must report all accidents or risk losing your insurance. Secondly, you protect yourself against having the other driver file a claim against you. The other driver may still file a claim, but your insurance company is already aware of the accident and can deal with it more effectively.

You may have insurance coverage that helps you pay your bills. If you live in a no-fault state, you would automatically go through your own insurance for your medical bills. You may have MedPay insurance, which could also cover your claims. Another option is uninsured motorist coverage, which would pay your bills.

Use Your Own Health Insurance

Even if the other driver had insurance, you are the one who is ultimately responsible for your medical bills after an accident. You will be billed by the healthcare providers, so you have to deal with them. Using your own health insurance can help keep your bills lower while you are trying to find other solutions.

Sue the Other Driver

The last resort to have the other driver pay your bills is to file a lawsuit against them. You’re almost certain to win, but a driver who doesn’t carry insurance probably doesn’t have a lot of assets. It would be a hollow victory. You may have the legal authority to collect money, but if there isn’t money to collect, what’s the point?

Look Into Other Options

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, you may not have any other options. Of course, there may be other people who could be held liable. In some states, a bar can be held liable for serving alcohol to someone who is noticeably intoxicated and for letting them drive. Consider making an appointment with a legal professional, like an auto accident lawyer from Unidos Legales, to discuss your accident and look for other solutions.