Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state; a minimum requirement is that the driver have liability insurance in case he or she causes an accident. However, some drivers do not obey this law and recklessly drive without insurance and put other drivers at risk. If you have been in an unfortunate accident where an uninsured motorist hit your car and caused damage to it or to your health, you may wonder how you will be compensated since the driver has no car insurance. With an able attorney on your side, you may be able to recover some of your losses by maximizing your own insurance coverage or filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Your Insurance Coverage
Some insurance policies have specific “uninsured motorist” coverage. This add-on to your car insurance plan is meant to provide security for you if a driver without insurance should wreck your vehicle. Although this extra coverage will cost you more in premiums, it can be a lifesaver in this unfortunate situation. The insurance company typically reimburses you for damages and then seeks restitution from the at-fault driver. However, you should still talk to your lawyer about dealing with your insurance company, as it can be difficult to receive fair compensation even from your own insurance carrier.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage and find yourself in the predicament of dealing with a driver with no insurance, you can possibly file a personal injury lawsuit. This suit could be for damages caused to your vehicle or to your health, as well as the cost of repairs and health expenses. You can show how the accident affected your ability to work or maintain your normal activities due to loss of means of transportation or doctor’s appointments and hospital stays. The negligence of an uninsured driver should not be taken lightly, and by filing for compensation from this individual, you could prevent them from causing the same problem for another unfortunate driver.
Driving without insurance is a serious offense that can affect your life after the accident in many ways. Because you will not immediately have money from the responsible party’s insurance for damage caused to your personal property, it is wise to seek out an experienced attorney who can help you decide what your next step should be in the legal process. Talk to your lawyer today to see how you can be compensated fairly for your losses and get back to normal life.