What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver
If you find yourself in a car accident, your first priority is to ensure everyone’s safety. Once you’ve confirmed that everyone is okay, follow these steps to handle the situation effectively:
1. Ensure Safety and Contact Authorities
Initially, pull over to a safe location, away from traffic if possible. Then, call 911 to notify the police of the accident and provide your location. If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, take this opportunity to inspect your car for damage.
2. Exchange Information
After ensuring safety and contacting authorities, you need to exchange information with the other driver. In cases where the other driver is uninsured, follow these additional steps:
- Request Identification
Request that the other driver shows their ID and provides their name. - Document the Scene
Next, take detailed photos of both vehicles, the damage sustained, and the uninsured driver’s license plate. Additionally, make sure to jot down notes about the damage and the circumstances of the accident. Recording these details immediately helps you remember crucial information.
3. Involve Law Enforcement
If the uninsured driver refuses to provide their information or if you feel uncomfortable handling the situation alone, it’s crucial to wait for law enforcement to arrive. In the meantime, inform the police about the situation and provide details about any witnesses. The police will document statements and determine who is at fault, issuing citations as necessary. Therefore, be sure to obtain a copy of the accident report.
4. File a Claim and Understand Coverage
Once the police have documented the accident, your next step is to file a claim with your insurance company. If the uninsured driver is found at fault, your insurance should cover the damages—provided you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Check Your Coverage
Consequently, verify whether you have the necessary uninsured motorist coverage. If you don’t, you may need to pursue legal action against the uninsured driver to recover damages. Although your insurance company might try to collect from the uninsured driver, you may need to testify in court as both a witness and the victim.
5. Find a Reliable Repair Shop
Finally, being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver can be challenging. To ease the process, find a reputable body shop that can work with your insurance company to complete the repairs efficiently and professionally.
By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the aftermath of an accident with an uninsured driver, addressing all necessary aspects of the situation with greater confidence.