What Happens if You Have Been Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?
You have just been injured in a car accident. Your body hurts and your mind is racing. You talk to the other driver. He has no insurance. Now what? Well, if this is the situation you find yourself in, please remember this is increasingly common, and that you have options. Consider these statistics. Around 14 percent of drivers in the United States do not have auto insurance. In Washington State, an estimated 18 percent of drivers have no car insurance. So, if you are driving in Washington State, you are at increased risk of becoming involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Under Washington State’s at-fault statute, the person responsible for causing the car accident is required to pay all costs related to the accident including property damage, medical expenses incurred by the victim and other damages. But if that driver has no insurance, then you have to look for other options.
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you need to take some steps to protect yourself. First, collect as much information as you possibly can such as names, addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license information, vehicle license plate or any other information that seems relevant. If you have a camera in the car or a cell phone equipped with a camera, take as many pictures as you can of the accident scene. Focus on documenting the damage and the accident scene including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, stop signs and signage. Never admit to causing the accident although you believe it may have been your fault. Let law enforcement investigate and determine the facts of the case. Also, get contacts for eyewitnesses.
Although you may have protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists, that does not mean that your insurance company is going to make it easier for you. It is very important that you get a skilled and knowledgeable Seattle personal injury lawyer on your case right away so they can negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or the company that issued your uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage. While it may be tempting for you get into a quick agreement with your insurance company to avoid what can turn into a huge headache, please do not do so. You had the forethought to obtain uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself. You paid your premiums monthly. It is the insurance company’s responsibility to honor their policy when the time comes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Seattle car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, please contact the reputed Washington auto accident lawyers with The Bernard Law Group. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about Washington car accident cases, which has useful educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.
