Car accidents are stressful enough, but when the at-fault driver is uninsured, it can become more complex. If you were recently hit by an uninsured driver, you may wonder what you can do. The following are a few steps you should take to begin with.
Call Your Lawyer to Discuss the Situation
Your car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in Middletown, NJ from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., could become your best friend in this situation. There may be a lot of things you won’t understand about your car accident case, and a lawyer can help you understand legal terms, how to deal with someone who is uninsured and a host of other things. Your lawyer can also help you understand where to turn to seek compensation, as there are a few options you still have.
Determine Who Was at Fault
It’s imperative you know who is at fault for the accident if you plan to file a lawsuit against the other party. If it turns out you were at fault, you won’t be able to receive the compensation you were planning from the other driver. If you were partially at fault, there’s a chance you’ll only receive partial compensation. In most cases, the insurance adjuster will conduct an investigation to determine fault, but the police officer who responded to your accident should have also made a report and a determination.
Lean On Your Insurance Coverage
If you are properly insured, you probably have coverage called underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. This pays for property damage, car repairs and medical bills after you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. Your liability coverage often determines the amount of underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage you can carry, with insurers matching the amounts in many cases.
If you don’t already have this type of insurance, there’s still a possibility you can get some financial assistance. Collision coverage should pay for costs associated with car repairs and not medical expenses, so it’s at least a start on the right path.
File a Lawsuit
If you have been injured in an accident with someone who chose not to be properly insured, there’s a chance you could win a lawsuit. Every situation is different, but your lawyer should be able to help you determine whether this is the right choice for your circumstances. One thing to consider is if the driver doesn’t have adequate insurance, he or she may not have adequate assets from which to pull a settlement, so it may not be beneficial. In any case, contact your car accident attorney today to learn more.