Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and frustrating experience. But finding out the other driver has no insurance can make the situation infinitely more difficult. Dealing with injuries, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other damages becomes far more challenging when the at-fault driver is uninsured.
If you’ve been in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance, it’s important to know your options. An experienced car accident lawyer No Insurance can help guide you through the process and fight to recover maximum compensation using all avenues available. This article explains why having a skilled attorney on your side is critical after a crash with an uninsured motorist.
Understanding Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers
Despite laws requiring drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, many still drive without coverage. After an accident with one of these at-fault uninsured motorists, you cannot make an injury or property damage claim against their policy because no insurance exists.
That’s where your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes vital. Included in most standard policies, UM coverage protects you when the negligent driver has no insurance after a collision. It pays for your losses up to your UM policy limits. Without it, you likely get zero compensation.
Why Some Drivers Are Uninsured
There are several common reasons a driver might be uninsured when they cause an accident:
- Allowing their insurance to lapse from non-payment
- Dropping coverage because they can no longer afford high premiums
- Failing to obtain insurance which is against the law
- Driving a vehicle not listed on their existing policy
No matter the reason, it puts innocent accident victims in a tough predicament when the at-fault party has no insurance coverage or assets to go after. Having seasoned legal counsel can make navigating the claims process much smoother.
Benefits of Working with a Car Accident Lawyer No Insurance
Attempting to handle an uninsured motorist insurance claim yourself can be difficult and time-consuming. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and aggressively fights for you to recover the maximum compensation under your policy.
1. Maximize Financial Recovery
Skilled lawyers will fight relentlessly to get full and fair compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
2. Prove Damages
Your attorney will gather evidence proving your injuries and financial losses were directly caused by the accident, including medical records, income docs, repair estimates, etc. This builds a strong claim for damages under your UM policy.
3. Negotiation Leverage
Insurance companies often make lowball offers hoping uninsured motorist claimants will accept less than they deserve. Your lawyer has the negotiation prowess to secure a fair settlement.
4. Litigation Experience
If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through discussions, an experienced trial lawyer has the skills to take your case to court and fight for maximum compensation in front of a judge and jury.
5. Objective Guidance
Dealing with injuries, insurance claims and financial stress can be overwhelming. Your attorney remains rational to advise you at every stage so you make informed choices.
How a Lawyer Handles an Uninsured Motorist Accident Case
An accomplished car accident lawyer will take the following steps when representing you after a crash with an uninsured driver:
Step 1 – Evaluate Insurance Policies
Your attorney will thoroughly review your insurance policy, especially the details of your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, to determine available limits and ensure compliance with state laws.
Step 2 – Investigate the Accident
Preserving evidence is key. Your lawyer will visit the accident scene, take photos and measurements, obtain police reports, interview witnesses, and reconstruct how the collision occurred.
Step 3 – Calculate Damages
Your attorney will work diligently to account for all economic and non-economic damages like medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, etc. This provides a basis for the value of your claim.
Step 4 – Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Leveraging their experience and tenacity, your lawyer will bargain aggressively with your insurance provider to obtain fair compensation reflecting the full value of your damages.
Step 5 – Litigate the Case if Necessary
If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an experienced trial attorney has the skills to take your case before a jury and fight for maximum recovery in litigation.
Examples of Attorney Success with Uninsured Motorist Cases
To better understand how having seasoned legal counsel benefits you after an accident with an uninsured driver, consider these examples:
Example 1 – Disputed Liability
- You were struck head-on by an uninsured driver who claims you were partially at fault. Your attorney establishes through investigation the other driver alone was negligent due to intoxication. This proof of full liability allows you to recover your damages under your UM policy.
Example 2 – Policy Limits Settlement
- After a serious accident, your attorney discovers the at-fault uninsured driver has no assets you can pursue. But successfully negotiating a settlement at your UM policy’s $100,000 per person limit provides you the maximum compensation available.
Example 3 – Undervalued Settlement Offer
- The insurance company offers you $15,000 to settle your uninsured motorist claim. Your lawyer demonstrates through evidence your damages exceed $100,000. They negotiate a final settlement of $95,000 to cover your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering.
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, our dedicated car accident law firm can help. We have an exceptional record of recovering maximum compensation for clients. Our legal team provides personalized service and compassion along with tenacious advocacy on your behalf. We also offer free case evaluations at our conveniently located offices. For trusted representation after a crash with an uninsured motorist, contact our attorneys online or call [phone] today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I report an accident if the other driver has no insurance?
Yes, you should still report any accident to the police and your insurer regardless of whether or not the other driver has insurance coverage. This creates an official record of the incident.
2. How much uninsured motorist coverage should I buy?
You should match your uninsured motorist coverage limits to your liability limits (e.g. $100k/$300k) to get the maximum protection under your own policy if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
3. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, you may still be able to recover damages under your UM policy even if you shared some fault, but your payout may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
4. What damages does UM coverage pay for?
UM coverage compensates you for both economic damages like medical bills and property damage as well as non-economic damages such as pain/suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
5. Do I need an attorney for my uninsured motorist claim?
Hiring an experienced attorney is highly recommended to maximize your compensation and handle negotiations with the insurance company. Most accident lawyers work on contingency fees, so there is little risk or cost for representation.
