From getting into a car accident to managing inclement weather, the road is a dangerous place. There’s another problem that motorists face you might not have thought of though…The uninsured driver. Studies show that 1 out of every 8 drivers is operating their vehicle without insurance.
Dealing with an accident is daunting enough, but the added stress of a driver without insurance can seem impossible to manage. Don’t worry though, we are here to help! We will break down what you need to do if an uninsured driver hits you in this simple guide.
Let’s get started!
Gather Details
If you have been in an accident, take a moment to collect yourself before exiting your vehicle. If you are injured or disoriented, you should call an ambulance right away. Once you have taken a moment to collect yourself, it is time to gather the information you need.
If a driver has insurance, they will give you a policy number; however, when a person doesn’t have insurance, you have to gather other details. Get the person’s name, address, phone number, and any information about their vehicle. Take as many photos as possible of both vehicles and any other important details surrounding the crash as you will need these for your car accident lawyer.
Call the Police
In any accident, it is always best to call the police. Filing a police report will help you with the claim down the line, and it is a necessary step if you intend to press charges against the at-fault driver. The police report offers you some level of protection as a third-party will be there to assess the accident.
Another thing to remember is that driving without insurance is a crime, so the person who hit you might try to flee the accident. Never attempt to chase or follow a person after a crash. Instead, call the police and give them as much information as you can about the car and the driver.
Never Accept Money
As we said, driving without insurance is illegal, so the uninsured driver might try to pay you off to keep the law out of the situation. At the time of the accident, there is no way for you to assess the extent of the damages to your vehicle or your personal injuries. You could potentially be taking money that is far less than what is needed to repair your car or pay for your medical expenses, so if cash on the spot is offered, politely decline.
Managing a Crash with an Uninsured Driver
If an uninsured driver has hit you, these tips could make the difference in whether or not you get justice after the crash. Contacting a lawyer could help you navigate filing claims or pressing charges. In the end, accidents happen, the good thing is, with this guide, you will be prepared!
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