Car accidents involve a lot of stress and emotions. In more serious cases, you could deal with injuries and the physical and financial effects that come with them. The situation can be even worse if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist. These incidents can make it more challenging to get the coverage you need. Make sure you follow some basic steps if this happens to you.
Get the Police Involved
After a car accident, you should notify the police as soon as possible. Officers are trained to investigate accident scenes and determine who was at fault. This will also ensure that the incident gets on an official record. If you or someone at the scene has life-threatening injuries, call 911 so you can get ambulance transportation directly to the emergency room.
Exchange Information
While you wait for the authorities to arrive, speak to the other driver. Do so calmly without admitting fault or making accusations. Get the person’s contact information and give him or her yours, along with your insurance information. If you discover at this time that the other driver was uninsured, make sure you inform your insurance provider.
Get Medical Care
Filing an insurance claim with your auto coverage provider should help pay for much of the damage to your vehicle. If you have injuries, this coverage can help pay for your medical bills as well. To do this, you’ll need to prove to your insurance agent that you suffered harm in the accident. You should visit your doctor as soon after the accident as possible. This protects you legally and helps certify that you are not fabricating information. Your doctor will record the extent of your injuries so you can provide this information to your insurance company and attorney.
File an Auto Insurance Claim
Since you won’t have the other driver’s insurance to rely on to pay claims, you’ll have to work solely with your provider. Your insurance company should pay the full amount of your injuries as allowed by your personal injury protection coverage. For any leftover amounts, you can get the compensation you need through legal action.
Work with an Attorney
An experienced accident attorney can advise you whether your accident warrants a lawsuit. Your lawyer will work with your insurance company and the other party to ensure you get the money you need to cover your medical costs.
Getting hit by an uninsured driver can be complicated. If you work with a personal injury lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer in Bloomington, IL, you can feel at ease knowing you won’t be left with heavy medical bills.
Thanks to Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols Attorneys at Law for their insight into what you should do if you are injured by an uninsured driver.