Car accidents can be stressful and potentially life-changing, but they often feel inevitable. In this day and age, most of us have been involved in a car accident in some way, whether you have been a driver, passenger, or just a witness.
Because we are all so familiar with car accidents, you likely already know how important reporting an accident to your insurance company is. But what do you do if you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver?
Steps To Take After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
Insurance coverage is essential after a car accident, especially if there are injuries. Insurance policies are there to protect you, your loved ones, and your assets. If the other driver is at fault and they do not have insurance, you might feel at a loss for what to do next. Here is a list of things you need to do after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Gather Information
Exchange contact information, driver's license numbers, and vehicle registration details with the uninsured driver. Additionally, gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident. This information will be valuable for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings that may follow.
Notify The Police
Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance from law enforcement. Even if there are no injuries, it's essential to have a police report documenting the incident. This report will be crucial for filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the uninsured driver.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. This documentation will serve as evidence to support your claim and help establish liability for the accident.
Seek Medical attention
First and foremost, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injuries do not seem extreme or worthy of emergency services, it is crucial to have those injuries examined immediately. The adrenaline that your body produces in response to the stress of a car accident may keep you from feeling the full impact of your injuries. Some injuries may also worsen over time if not treated properly.
Talk To an Attorney
If you have been injured or incurred significant property damage in the accident, it's essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced auto accident attorney. At Litster Frost Injury Lawyers, our team can help you understand your rights and options for recovering compensation, whether through insurance claims or legal action against the uninsured driver.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Idaho
In Idaho, uninsured motorist coverage is a vital component of auto insurance policies that protects drivers in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. While Idaho law requires all motorists to carry liability insurance, the reality is that some drivers may choose to drive without insurance or may not have sufficient coverage to fully compensate victims in the event of an accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage provides financial protection for drivers and passengers if they are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages resulting from the accident.
While uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, insurance companies are required to offer it to all policyholders. When you sign up for an insurance policy, you will have the option to reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing if you do not want it included in your coverage. While adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy may increase your premiums slightly, the protection it provides in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver can be invaluable.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
If you find yourself in a situation where you do not have uninsured motorist coverage and are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it's essential to take steps to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your damages.
The most effective step you can take to fight back against an uninsured driver is to contact an attorney. This is especially important if you were injured as a result of negligence of an uninsured driver. Medical expenses can pile up and you should not be held responsible for paying bills brought on by someone else.
How Litster Frost Can Help You
At Litster Frost Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of success in securing compensation for accident victims, even in situations involving uninsured drivers.
If you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver in Idaho, our team is ready to support you. Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation and allow us to guide you through the process of seeking the justice and financial recovery you're entitled to.
