What To Do If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver

Nothing makes your heart sink faster than finding out the person who hit your car isn’t insured. While it doesn’t happen all that often, it can and does happen more than you think. “In the United States, approximately 1 in 7 drivers are uninsured without even basic coverage,” according to a 2011 study by the Insurance Research Council. “Uninsured drivers cost the car insurance industry and insured drivers billions of dollars each year. The Insurance Research Council estimates that almost 14% of all U.S. drivers are uninsured at any given time.” So, what do you do if you are hit by an uninsured driver?

1. Ask to see the other driver’s identification and ask them for their name. If the uninsured driver does not want to provide any information get back into your car and call 911.

2. While you are waiting, grab your smartphone or cell phone and take pictures of everything including their car, license plate, the road conditions and all damage.

3. Tell law enforcement what happened when they arrive. Once they determine who is at fault they will write a police report and give both parties a copy.

4. Provided the accident was not your fault the insurance company will cover all damages – as long as you have uninsured driver coverage. In the event that you do not have this coverage, you may have to sue the uninsured driver to collect damages owed. This means you will likely have to pay your insurance deductible out of your own pocket.

5. Take a deep breathe and know that it will all work out. Even if you have to pay for damages out of pocket, you can recover those damages with a free civil suit at your local courthouse and all the documents from your insurance provider and the local law enforcement.