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The other driver doesn’t have insurance. Now what?

Apr 5, 2019 | Firm News

Even if there are no injuries, car accidents can be painful. There may be mounds of paperwork to handle, repairs to deal with and often some sort of financial loss. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, things get even more complicated.

Remaining calm and following a few important steps can make sure the process goes as smoothly as it can.

Call the police.

The first thing you should do after any accident is call the police, regardless of whether the other person has insurance or not. However, as this article notes, it’s even more important to call the police after an accident with an uninsured driver. The report filed by the police is necessary when filing your claim and eventually getting the damage covered.

Get the details of Uninsured Driver.

Record as many details as possible from the scene of the accident. Make sure to get the other driver’s contact information along with the make, model and license plate number of their vehicle. Get contact information from any witnesses to the crash – their account of the accident might be important in the legal or claims process.

Write down the time and location of the crash and take pictures. Get photos of the damage to each vehicle, the scene, the other vehicle’s license plate and of which way each car was traveling.

Contact your insurance.

As soon as you can, contact your own insurance and explain the situation. Your insurance agent will ask you for the details about the accident, so be prepared to share the other driver’s contact information, the number of the police report you filed, photos of the accident and any other details you wrote down.

West Virginia requires drivers to carry $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage, so as long as your insurance is up to date, you, your passengers and your vehicle will be covered if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. Though, in situations where your damages exceed the amount an insurance company offers, legal counsel can help you assess your options for seeking additional compensation.

Despite the frustration and difficulty that comes with an accident, taking the right steps to protect yourself after a collision will go miles to bring you peace of mind.