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
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Pedestrian Accidents
The pedestrian fatality rate in Arizona is more than double that of the national average, at 1.61 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people. Most of these are male pedestrians, killed at a rate of almost three times as much as female pedestrians. Keeping pedestrians safe is everyone’s job, but as a pedestrian, you should understand the […]
Common Causes for Tractor Trailer Accidents
There’s a good reason tractor trailers require a specialty license to operate them. They’re big, fast, heavy, and – in the wrong conditions – incredibly dangerous. It is estimated that 3.5 percent of all automobileaccidents each year involve tractor trailers. Around 4,600 of these result in some sort of fatality. This can be due to […]
Car Accident Compensation Laws in California
Every year, careless and reckless drivers cause many accidents leading to severe injuries and death countrywide. In California, car accidents are due to the state’s large population and a high number of vehicles. On numerous occasions, irresponsible drivers always get away with their mistakes. Luckily, there are compensation laws in California aimed to hold at-fault […]
Five Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents […]
Cell Phones and Accidents on the Road
We have all done it. Even with the headsets, the hands-free devices, and the ability to connect your phone to your car, all of us have reached for the phone while driving. Whether it’s checking a quick text at a stoplight or messing around with your maps app while driving in a new place, the […]
Top 3 Benefits of Engaging a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Top 3 Benefits of Engaging a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Being in a car accident, regardless of how minor, can be pretty devastating. So, if you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles and you are confused, we assure you it is completely normal to feel that way. Car accidents […]
How Much is a Slip and Fall Claim Settlement Worth?
When filing a slip and fall claim, you might want to consider the amount of compensation. While there’s no defined amount of settlement, a successful claim should adequately compensate you for physical, emotional, and monetary loss. Hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to getting adequate compensation for a valid claim. The article explains the factors […]
5 Ways Parents can Encourage Safe Teen Driving
For teenagers, getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of independence and instills a sense of responsibility. Most teen parents often share their children’s excitement but remain equally apprehensive since they’re well-aware of the dangers that come with driving. And they do have a perfectly valid reason to fret because […]
Personal Injury Claims: When Do you Need a Lawyer?
In cases where there are severe injuries, toxic exposure, or malpractice, you will need a personal injury lawyer. However, there are also instances when you don’t need a lawyer. Although you might need a lawyer to represent you in court if there are complex legal issues that need to be handled, other injury claims might […]
Five Helpful Facts About Dog Bites
Dog bites are not only relatively common, but they can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re bitten by a dog, you run the risk of the obvious wound to your flesh or bone, but you also are at risk for an infection, including tetanus and rabies. It can be helpful to know how to treat such […]
contact form