2 Things About Auto Accidents With Uninsured Drivers

Were you recently injured in an auto accident by a driver that did not have auto insurance, and now wondering how you are going to get your compensation? If so, it helps to know the following things. 

Don't Believe The Responsible Driver

The way that most auto accidents work is that the injured person will use the responsible person's insurance policy to receive money to cover the medical bills and other expenses. However, that only works if the responsible person has insurance. If not, going after the person in court to receive compensation may be a lost cause. If you do win in court, you won't be able to receive the money you deserve if they do not have it, and wage garnishment has limits that can impact how much you receive. Since your insurance provider will want to be reimbursed for their costs, it is possible that you'll never see a cent from the judgement.

If the other driver says that they do not have insurance you should not believe them based on their word alone. Take down as much information as possible, since you can look up their auto insurance policy later by having their name and license plate number. A driver's license number will help as well, since it will narrow down the search to the exact person. While lying about insurance is an unethical tactic, but can sometimes trick people into not going after the responsible person.

Use Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Thankfully, there is coverage that you can purchase that will give you coverage in a situation where the responsible driver does not have insurance. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will protect you if you can't receive your full compensation from the other driver. With the help of a lawyer, you can start by going after the other driver's policy to max it out to how much you receive, and then use your insurance coverage for the balance. If both policies are maxed out due to low coverage, the remainder can be brought against the responsible individual and recovered through wage garnishment. 

Be aware that your additional coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists will cover you in more than just an accident between two vehicles. If you are a pedestrian that is involved in an accident where you are hit by a vehicle, the additional coverage will work in that situation as well to ensure that you are covered in a hit and run.

Contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn more.


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