Did you know that one in seven drivers is uninsured? If you get into a car accident without insurance, you are responsible for paying for the damages. If you cannot cover these expenses and do not have enough money saved up to cover them, there could be some serious consequences.
It may seem like an unlikely situation, but accidents can happen at any time, and if this happens to you, consult with Idaho Car Accident Lawyers to help you through the process.
What Happens if You are At-Fault
If you are at fault in an accident without insurance, you may have to pay for all the damages. A major car accident that causes injuries or death can be a costly mistake that costs thousands of dollars in:
- Medical bills
- Repairs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The other party may demand compensation. If they suffered any permanent or temporary injuries during the accident, it could lead to high amounts of debt over time if you do not have insurance to cover the costs.
If you hit and kill another person, then this will also lead to a lawsuit against yourself. The victim’s family may sue for financial compensation if they lost their loved one or suffered a loss due to your car accident.
Your driving license will be revoked. A judge or jury will likely give you a fine and possibly some jail time for not having car insurance if you are caught. The police can also impound your vehicle if it was involved in an accident without coverage because they do not want to risk the liability of the vehicle.
What Happens When You are Not at Fault
If you are not at fault in an accident, this could lead to a counter-suit against the other party. You may be able to sue for reimbursement if they damaged your car or hurt you during their carelessness and reckless driving.
An uninsured person can also file a civil claim to get some of the medical bills paid for. The person who did not have insurance could get their medical expenses covered through the other party’s car insurance provider if they were at fault in the accident that caused these injuries or damages to your vehicle.
If you are injured and do not carry any health coverage, then there is a good chance you will sue someone for compensation.
Some states have laws requiring people to pay for the medical bills of others if they cause an accident while driving without insurance. If you live in one of these places, it may be possible to get at least some reimbursement for your injuries or damages, even though you were not responsible for causing them. It is common if you are a pedestrian or bicyclist who was hit by another vehicle.
It is much better to have car insurance than no coverage as the consequences can be quite severe and could even lead to bankruptcy from high costs over time. Buying a policy that fits your budget is extremely important to drive legally without fear of being punished for making a decision that you might regret.
