What to Do if in a Car Accident With an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

Getting into any type of car accident can be a very unpleasant experience. Depending on the situation, you could be facing extensive damage to your vehicle or even serious injuries to yourself or your passengers. If you are in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, the complexity of your situation increases quite a bit. Every driver in the state of Illinois is required to have a certain amount of coverage for collisions that are their fault, but not every driver obeys that rule. According to a 2017 study from the Insurance Information Institute, around 13 percent of drivers in the United States did not have any type of car insurance. This can be problematic for everyone involved in an accident, especially if you are a victim.

Dealing With an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

Usually, when you are in a car accident, the insurance company of the driver who is found to be at fault pays for the costs associated with the accident. When you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, it can become a problem when trying to get your own insurance company to pay for damages. Even if a driver does have insurance, they may not have the right amount of insurance or enough to cover the costs of the damages. If you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. You Should Immediately Call Emergency Services: Obviously, you should call 911 if anyone involved in the accident is seriously injured. However, it is always a good idea to call the police to the scene – even if there were no injuries – so that the accident can have an official record.
2. Get the Other Driver’s Contact Information: If the motorist stops after the accident, you should ask them for their insurance information. They may or may not tell you if they have insurance, but even if they do not, you should get their contact information such as their name, address and phone number.
3. Begin Gathering Evidence: This step can be crucial in any claim that involves an uninsured or underinsured motorist. You should collect as much evidence as you can when you are still at the scene of the accident. Try to take photos of any obvious injuries to yourself or others, any damage to your vehicles, their license plate number and vehicle, and the surrounding area.
4. Consult with an Attorney Before Talking to Your Insurance Company: Before you contact your insurance company, you should contact an attorney. Your attorney will be able to provide you with all of the available options for obtaining compensation after your car accident, even if there was an uninsured or underinsured motorist involved.

Our Cook County Car Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Getting into a car accident can be devastating, but things can be even more stressful when the other driver involved in the accident does not have insurance to cover your damages. At the Fotopoulos Law Office, we know how difficult it can be to obtain compensation for your injuries, even in situations in which the other driver does have insurance. Our skilled Tinley Park, IL, car accident injury attorneys will work with you and your insurance company to help you get the most out of your claim. Call our office today at 708-942-8400 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists

Tips for Handling an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

Five-Step Guide to Handling an Accident with an Uninsured Driver