A car accident, especially one involving an uninsured motorist, is always unexpected and unpleasant, but knowing what to do can make your physical and financial recovery easier.
To recover these out-of-pocket expenses, you will need to collect them directly from the uninsured motorist who was at fault in the accident. In cases where there are more than $1000 in damages or if there are injuries, you may report the uninsured motorist within 180 days to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Nearly 11 out of every 100 traffic accidents are hit-and-run accidents. This means that for nearly 10 percent of accidents, the driver at-fault flees the scene. (More about hit-and-run crashes in Austin >>)
If you have coverage that applies to a crash with a hit-and-run driver, you have the option to file a claim with your own insurance provider. If you sustained injuries in the crash, hire a personal injury attorney.
If you are involved in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist, your immediate concern should be that they lack the insurance coverage that could cover any medical bills you incur. Your own insurer is required by law to cover at least 80 percent of all ‘medically necessary’ care (as long as you seek treatment within 14 days of the accident), but anything over the amount of your policy would usually be covered by the other driver’s insurance – which, in the case of an uninsured motorist, is nonexistent.
Florida has the highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the United States – more than one-quarter of the drivers on state roads at any given time – so unfortunately, the possibility of accidents involving uninsured drivers is very real. If you are in this position, you should be aware of the potential issues you may encounter in trying to seek compensation. Contacting an attorney is always a good idea.
The minimum requirements are $15,000 for the injury, or death, of one person and $30,000 for the injury, or death, of more than one person. Additionally, they must carry liability coverage of $5,000 for damage to property. Failing to comply with the state’s insurance requirements could leave the liable party financially responsible for damages resulting from collisions.
Beyond maintaining the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements, drivers may also consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to their policies. Many motor vehicle insurance companies offer this type of coverage to help protect motorists from underinsured or uninsured drivers. With this added protection, the damages, including medical expenses, resulting from auto accidents may be covered, even if an uninsured driver is at fault.
One of the best things that motorists can do to protect themselves from uninsured drivers is to avoid being in an accident. Although not all collisions can be prevented, practicing cautious, defensive driving may help. This can include avoiding distractions, which may take motorists’ attention away from the task of safely driving. It is also important for drivers to watch other vehicles on the roads. When another motorist is driving unsafely or erratically, it is typically best to let them pass or move into another lane.
You might be wondering what exactly your uninsured motorist coverage will do for you in the event of an accident. Uninsured motorist insurance is designed to compensate you for injuries, property damage and other losses resulting from accidents with uninsured motorists.
The following Pennsylvania laws govern insurance companies and drivers as to uninsured motorist coverage:
If you were involved in a recent accident, you should consult an attorney experienced in injury law to ensure your best chance of recovery for lost wages, injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering and other costs associated with your accident.