Few things are more frustrating than meeting your lawful responsibilities to society only to be in a motor vehicle accident with someone who does not follow the rules. If you are hit by an uninsured person, you face great uncertainty about who will pay for your property repairs, medical bills and any other expenses you incur.
Per the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers in the United States are on the road without the basic required insurance coverage. This means that you must be prepared and know how to handle the situation anytime you are hit by an uninsured driver.
Gather information
Get as much information as possible from the other driver, even if he or she is without insurance. Document contact information, license plate number, driver’s license number and name. Take pictures of damage to both cars and of the other driver’s license plate.
Call law enforcement
Whenever an accident occurs, you want a police report on file to refer to, but it is especially important when the at-fault driver is not insured. Call the police immediately after the accident so they can document the incident and determine who was at fault. Remember that most states, including Colorado, require drivers to have car insurance. Without insurance, the other driver is most likely breaking the law, and it is a good idea to get the police involved.
Inform your insurance company
Your insurance company may end up paying for the damages and then go after the other driver legally for compensation. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, then you may be compensated whether the other driver has insurance or not. If you do not, you may end up holding the bill for something that was not your fault.
Contact an attorney
If it is a fender bender or a serious accident, you should not be required to pay for damage caused by someone else. If you have been hit by an uninsured driver and are worried about getting compensation, we encourage you to contact an attorney today.
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