Car accidents happen all the time. In most cases, all involved in the accident will have car insurance and the coverage will take care of damages and/or medical bills. What are your options if the person at fault in the accident has little or no car insurance? Even worse, what if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident before exchanging any information?
Your Automobile Insurance Provider
If you currently have car insurance and the driver who was at fault does not, your insurance provider will likely cover your damages. There is an item in your policy called uninsured motorist coverage that is usually required depending on the state you live in. The amount you pay for this coverage goes into an account and when someone is involved in an accident with someone that is not insured, the uninsured motorist fund covers your damages. Even if uninsured motorist coverage is not required, it is always a good idea to add it to your premium to protect yourself if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact your insurance provider immediately as there is a time limit for reporting these types of claims.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is another line item you will want to add to your policy. This coverage pays to fix the damage your vehicle sustains when involved in an accident where the at-fault driver was uninsured or the driver left the scene of the accident before providing any information. Collision coverage does not cover any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. It will only cover the costs of repairing your vehicle and then only up to the limits stated in your policy.
Contact an Attorney
If you live in a state that abides by no-fault insurance you may not have the option to file a lawsuit, as an uninsured motorist accident lawyer like one from Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, can explain. That is because in a no-fault insurance state your insurance covers your damage regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It makes filing claims much more streamlined as no one has the burden of proving fault. The negative to no-fault insurance is the compensation you receive is limited and you cannot collect damages for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
If you live in a state where it is necessary to prove fault in order to get the at-fault driver’s insurance to compensate you for damages, you have the right to file a lawsuit if you are unhappy with the settlement offered or the other party will not admit to being at fault. If you suffered from extensive injuries that are not being compensated by insurance, you may want to discuss your case with an attorney experienced in car accidents and discuss your options. Our law firm has handled hundreds of automobile accident cases and can work with you to help you get compensation for injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and if applicable pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.