What to Do If You’re Hit By An Underinsured or Uninsured Driver

What to Do If You’re Hit By An Underinsured or Uninsured Driver

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it can be even worse if the other driver is uninsured, or even underinsured. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many drivers on the road. According to a recent study, about 13% of drivers in the United States are uninsured. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, it can be difficult to know what to do next and how to protect yourself. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps you can take after being hit by an uninsured driver.

Car Crash

Contact the police

Call the police and report the accident. They will create a report and collect information from both parties involved.  If the other driver has fled the scene, try to write down as many details as you can about the car or driver that was involved in the accident.  This information will still be beneficial when filing the report with the police.

Gather information

Get the driver’s name, contact information, and license plate number. Also, take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and any injuries sustained.  Try to document as much as possible the details and conditions leading up to the accident.

Contact your insurance company

Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible.  If you’re one of our clients here at Laura Hibbits Insurance, we’ll be happy to help walk you through the process of filing your claim and make sure you understand your policy and coverages.

Consider legal action

If the other driver is at fault and cannot pay for damages, you may need to consider legal action. This could involve filing a lawsuit or seeking compensation through your own insurance company’s uninsured motorist coverage.  This will also come into play if the other person has insurance, but their limits aren’t high enough to pay for the damages or injuries caused to your vehicle.

Be prepared to pay for damages

Unfortunately, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be responsible for paying for damages and injuries out of your own pocket.  This is why unisured motorist protection is a crucial element of your insurance policy.  In the event that they don’t have enough insurance to cover the damages, your insurance can kick in to make up the difference.

Remember to always drive defensively.  You never know of the person around you has the same insurance protections as you. As always, you can reach out to us at our agency, and we’ll be happy to help you answer any questions, or do a policy review with you to make sure you and the things you work so hard for are protected.  Give us a call today, or visit our website.

 

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