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If an uninsured driver hits you, the situation can be stressful; hence it is crucial to take action immediately. Uninsured drivers are a growing problem and can cause severe damage to your vehicle and injury to you or your passengers. The good news is that there are steps you can take to recover from the accident and move on with your life.
Get medical attention
If you have been injured in an accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. It will help document your injuries and make it easier to file a claim. You should also immediately contact your insurance company and report the accident to them.
File a police report
This step is essential because it shows that law enforcement officers reported and documented the incident at the scene. Even if you’re not injured and don’t think any damage occurred to your car, call the police. They’ll need to file a report and collect information from everyone involved in the accident. If an officer arrives on the scene, they can help determine who was at fault and whether you should file an insurance claim with your own company or the other driver’s insurance company.
Fill out the report
Be as detailed as possible when filling out the report by listing all witnesses and vehicles involved in the accident and any injuries sustained. Attach copies of any documents relevant to your claim, such as proof of insurance or registration papers for vehicles involved in the collision. In addition to providing information related to your claim, filing an official police report will help protect you against those who may attempt to blame you for causing an accident that they were responsible for causing.
Gather all of the information about the other driver
This includes their name and address, license plate number, vehicle registration number, and any other information that might help identify them (such as a business card or phone number on their vehicle). If they fled after hitting your car, try to get as much information as possible before they leave. They may be charged with leaving the scene of an accident if they do not stay at the scene after hitting another vehicle. If a witness saw what happened, ask them for their contact information so that you can share it with the police or your insurance company later on.
Hire a qualified attorney
Car insurance is a legal requirement in all states, including Florida. If the other driver doesn’t have coverage, you may be able to take legal action against them. The other driver’s insurance company may try to make you feel like it is your fault, but don’t listen to them. Hiring one of West Palm Beach accident lawyers can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for damages caused by the accident and lost wages from missing work due to injury or medical treatment needs after being in an accident with an uninsured motorist.
Check with your insurance company
Next, check with your insurance company about your coverage. You may want to file a claim or ask for advice about how to proceed with filing one. If you are unsure whether or not your insurance will cover the costs of your repairs, contact an agent at your agency right away, so you don’t miss out on any coverage.
If you were hit by someone who lacks insurance, they might be responsible for paying all of the costs associated with fixing your vehicle and paying for any medical bills associated with injuries sustained in the accident. If they do not have enough money on hand, then they may have to file for bankruptcy or use other assets as collateral to pay off their debt obligations regarding their uninsured motorist policy (UM).
Review your auto policy’s terms and conditions
Most states require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance levels, including Florida, and most auto policies have some uninsured motorist coverage that will help pay for your injuries if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance coverage. However, this type of coverage often limits how much it will pay out in the event of an accident. In addition, if you have medical bills beyond that amount and don’t have health insurance, then your out-of-pocket expenses could be substantial.
Contact your agent or broker about adding uninsured motorist coverage (UM)
UM, the coverage provides protection when you’re hit by a hit-and-run driver or by an uninsured motorist who caused your accident while they were at fault. UM, coverage also pays for medical expenses related to injuries sustained in an accident caused by an uninsured driver — regardless of who was at fault.
Luckily for you, there is a way to recover some of the money that you are owed. You can’t just go after the at-fault driver for the damages though. In most cases, you can’t even take them to court. You need to seek out the assistance of a claims adjuster. They will help you go after the driver and make them pay for repairs to your vehicle and other costs associated with being in an accident.