Getting in a car accident is never a pleasant experience, but it is one that tends to follow a script. After you’ve assessed the damage, you’ll usually contact the other driver’s insurance and let things play out from there. Things become more difficult, though, if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Below are some tips for handling just such a situation.
Get All the Information
One of the biggest mistakes that drivers make in these situations is not swapping information with the uninsured driver. While you might not be able to get insurance information, you can still get valuable contact information for the future. Treat this accident just like any other – take pictures of the scene and make sure that you get the contact information from any witnesses.
Contact the Police
The next step is to contact the police. While this might go against the wishes of the other driver, it’s going to be vital for you going forward. Not only will you be able to get any emergency help you might need at the scene, but you’ll also get a police report that you can use later. If you don’t contact the police, the next steps will be much more difficult.
Look at Your Insurance Coverage
This is a situation in which your own insurance can help. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, for example, you might be able to use your insurance policy to pay for the damage. Though this isn’t ideal and it will might cause your rates to go up, it is an option that many injured parties choose to pursue.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you don’t have the right kind of coverage or if you can’t get your insurance to pay, you should definitely talk to a personal injury lawyer. You can work with this attorney to bring a suit against the other driver or against the party who owned the other driver’s vehicle, which might give you a chance to collect that which you are owed. A good attorney will listen to the facts of the case, look at the evidence you have, and advise you on what steps you can take moving forward.
Above all else, try not to panic. While dealing with uninsured drivers can be tough, it isn’t impossible. If you follow the steps above, you’ll have a better chance of being able to get back on your feet.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
