Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is often overwhelming. This is especially so if the other driver is uninsured. It is important to know how to handle these situations if you find yourself here. Continue reading below to learn more about what to do if you were involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
What Do I Do After the Accident?
After an accident, it is crucial to remain calm. This allows you to take care of the situation at hand with a clear mind. In addition to this, the following steps can help the outcome of the incident:
- Call the police so that a report can be made on the accident. If the driver is uninsured, this can assist in getting your expenses covered and making the claims process easier.
- Do not accept money from the other driver. Drivers who do not have insurance may try to offer you money in an effort to avoid legal action. Even if it seems like a good deal, it is important to not accept.
- Exchange information with the driver. Even though they do not have insurance, you should collect their contact information and vehicle details.
- Write down all important details including the make and model of the vehicle, time and location of the accident, and the name/badge number of the responding officer.
- Take pictures of the scene including all damages of both vehicles, license plates, traffic signs, and the direction the vehicles are facing.
Insurance Claims Against Uninsured Drivers
When contacting your insurance company, you should clarify that the accident took place with an uninsured driver. It is important to also keep the following in mind:
- Have your insurance card out for your policy number
- Provide the date, time, and location of the accident
- Give a detailed report of how the accident happened, which is where your notes on the accident come in handy.
- Usually, the claims representative asks for the other driver’s insurance information. At this time, you can provide them with the driver’s contact information.
- Provide the name of the police department along with the report number
Filing a Lawsuit
The state of Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state. This means that insurance providers will pay either some or all of the costs of any damages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, this can make it difficult to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver if they did cause the accident. This is because there are often restrictions unless you suffered serious injuries or incurred medical bills over a specific amount. The best course of action is to report the incident to your insurance company and contact a car accident attorney to discuss your options.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
