Let’s say the worst happens and you find yourself in a serious car accident. Even if everything after the crash goes according to plan, it is a difficult and confusing process. But if you add to all this the fact that the other person is not insured, you could be left facing an absolute nightmare.
In order to protect yourself and your rights to compensation, here are some things to keep in mind if the other motorist is not insured.
For your own safety, and for the safety of those around you, pick up the phone. You can let 911 know if there are any injured people or any crimes, driving uninsured being one of them, going on at the scene. Follow the operator’s instructions, and try to make sure you are safely out of harm’s way when you do so.
The other driver does not have a policy, but you do. Let your provider know as soon as possible what has happened and what the situation is with your car and the rest of the vehicles involved in the accident.
While you won’t be able to get insurance details from them, get the other driver to give you their name, address, phone number, plate number, email, and any other ID information you can get, such as the number on their driver’s license or VIN.
Accidents with the uninsured are notoriously difficult. Don’t try to go it alone. Hiring a well-known professional will help you understand the process, your rights, and your options. Draw on their experience to guide you through this and give you the most useful advice.
Take as many photographs of the accident as you can. Look for environmental conditions such as ice, wet pavement, potholes, or any other deterioration in the road. Ask bystanders and passengers to give you their account of what they saw, and ask for their contact information.
A driver without insurance may panic and try to leave. If this happens, try to get any identifying information from the fleeing car, such as license plate number, make and model. However, it is not recommended that you attempt to stop the motorist on your own as they could be armed, violent, or erratic. If the driver does remain on the scene, they may try to offer you money in exchange for your silence. Do not take them up on this. Even if the accident does not seem very severe, you have no idea how your body or car will be doing by the next day, or further down the line. While the situation may evoke sympathy in you, keep in mind that there are laws across the whole country that compel drivers to carry auto insurance. If anything, this could be the wake-up call that the other person needs to become responsible for themselves and their vehicle.
blogs
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
Under California’s Lemon Law, you are protected as a consumer when a vehicle you have purchased is deemed defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This helps keeps dangerous vehicles off the road, leads you with legal recourse if you are sold a faulty vehicle, and helps get you back […]
Workman’s Compensation and COVID in California
This past year has redefined a lot of things we usually take for granted. We’ve experienced new definitions of work, and even health, in general. Between telecommuting, staggered shifts, and widespread relocation, the face of business has changed rapidly. We have seen the rise of “essential workers” and “heroes” among our everyday neighbors and friends. […]
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]
Car Specific Repair Issues: When to Invoke California’s Lemon Laws and How RS Laws Can Help
Car specific problems are the leading cause of recalls by most automakers and dealers globally. Last year, for instance, over 20,000 units of Volkswagen Golf MK.8 were recalled because of a software bug. Earlier this year, Volvo stated that they were planning to issue a recall for some of their cars. How do such car […]
Personal Injury Lawyers: Myths and Misconceptions
Every year, millions of people are injured across the U.S. However, most of them survive. Although you might suffer from long-term or serious injuries, the fact is, if it was because of someone else’s fault or negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Besides being compensated for your medical bills or wages, there are several myths […]
Five Apps for Increased Road Safety
Staying safe on the road is more important as more and more cities become increasingly dependent on automobile transportation. Increasedroad safety is about diligence and attentive driving, but there are also ways to “gamify” or in other ways incentivize safe driving, through smartphone apps. Here are five apps designed to keep you less distracted and […]
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Especially in areas like LA, where rainfall is not as popular an occurrence, drivers can seem to lose their minds as soon as the first drop hits the pavement. Every year, an estimated 21% of all crashes are related to weather conditions. You need to keep yourself and your family safe on the road, no […]
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
We all know that walking to work is good for your health. The benefits of fresh air, increased heart rate, and the relaxing effects of movement are well documented. It’s healthy to walk anywhere! But, what about the risks? When you hear medical advice, suggesting that you walk more, you rarely hear about the dangers […]
What to Know About Arizona’s Lemon Law
Like many other states, Arizona has a Lemon Law in place to help protect consumers who buy faulty vehicles from being stuck with them with no recourse. Arizona’s lemon law, though, is a little different from other states, with certain restrictions in place that are specific to Arizona. Here are a few basic guidelines to […]
Top Three Scenic Motorcycle Routes in California
California is among the most beautiful destinations in the country. The raw beauty of our state is part of the reasons why myriads of people move here every day. From miles of pristine beaches, breathtaking lakes, picturesque deserts, to rugged but awe-inspiring terrains like Yosemite, the geographic diversity of the Golden State is simply mesmerizing. […]
contact form
