Any car accident can result in an injury that leaves a person facing expensive hospital bills, lost wages, and other financial woes. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will payout at least some compensation to help cover a victim’s pain and suffering. However, there is always the chance that an at-fault driver is uninsured and you and your insurance company are completely on the hook for the financial fallout of the accident. Here’s some insight from legal experts that can help you navigate the immediate aftermath of an uninsured motorist accident and what you can do to recoup the compensation you deserve.
5 Steps to Take Directly After Your Accident
After the accident occurs, make sure to follow these essential steps, even before you’re certain that the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured.
Call the Police
A formal report of the accident is essential if you want your insurance company to eventually pay compensation for your personal injury. A police report can also serve as sufficient evidence for a personal injury lawyer if your case is forced to move into lawsuit territory against insurance companies or the offending driver.
Gather Essential Information
Always ask any drivers involved for as much information as possible. This includes:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
At this point is where you’ll discover the at-fault driver isn’t insured, and it’s time to truly consider the severity of your situation.
Document the Accident and Your Injuries
Take photographs to document every possible detail of your accident and injuries that resulted from the accident. This documentation as well as interviews from witnesses and the other driver themselves can be used to help your personal injury lawyer persuade your insurance company to pay maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other financial issues that arise from the accident.
Don’t Accept Money From the Other Driver
Whatever you do, do not accept cash from the other driver. Not only are they simply trying to avoid inevitable fines, but you can never predict the true toll that your accident will have on your finances. Also, once you’ve accepted cash from the other driver, pursuing compensation from an insurance company is now considered fraud. So, it’s always best to turn down a cash offer and wait until your personal injury lawyer can help you recover as much compensation as possible from your insurance company.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, reach out to a personal injury lawyer that can help with an uninsured accident case. Working with insurance companies regarding these types of accidents can be complex and frustrating. A personal injury lawyer can build a solid argument for your case and use their experience of working with insurance companies to grant you a fighting chance at compensation that actually helps your family recover from your accident.
Can Your Insurance Help?
Yes, if your insurance includes coverage against uninsured or underinsured motorists, you are eligible for your own insurance company to help cover some of the financial losses you face in your accident. However, even your own insurance company is in it to save as much money as possible and is likely to offer the bare minimum of help. This is why personal injury lawyers always say to find a lawyer and review your case before filing with an insurance company. We can help you fight against your own policy and use proof to help you recover more compensation to help ease your pain and suffering.
Is it Possible to Sue the At-Fault Motorist?
Yes, your personal injury lawyer can always help you take the steps towards filing a formal suit against the offending party. However, even if you win, the at-fault driver still may not have enough to pay you and you’ll have to either settle for less than you deserve or wait until they are able to pay and still shoulder the burden of your current financial obligations surrounding your personal injury.
Collect Your Rightful Compensation With Genthe Law Firm
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving an uninsured driver, don’t wait until hospital bills become overwhelming to seek help. Reach out to the personal injury lawyers at the Genthe Law Firm for help. No matter the details of your personal injury case, we always offer the Genthe Guarantee, which means you won’t pay us unless we recover for you. Schedule your free consultation
today to learn more about how our personal injury lawyers can help you collect compensation.