Accident with an Uninsured Driver? Call a Car Injury Attorney
The road is a dangerous place to be in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3 million injuries occur as a result of car accidents every year. As statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show, as many as 35,900 Americans die within a year following their accidents, oftentimes because they did not have the means to pay for the best healthcare. 98,000 lives are taken every year by medical mistakes, many of which never would have happened had accident survivors had access to high quality medical care.
Many who see these statistics are left wondering why car accident victims are unable to pay for their medical bills. Shouldn’t their insurance cover it? What about the other driver’s insurance? As too many Americans are being left to find out, there are uninsured drivers on the road who pose a very serious financial and medical risk to us all. If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, you need to take four very important steps.
Ascertain Fault
The first step you need to take is to find out who was at fault in the accident. If the fault rests on you, then there is very little you can do other than to pay, either out-of-pocket or through your insurance, for your car and medical coverage. On the other hand, if the other party is at fault yet is uninsured and refusing to pay, you have two options.
Ask if Your Insurance Includes Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Following automobile or motorcycle personal injury caused by an uninsured driver, you should check with your insurance provider to see if they offer coverage for uninsured motorists or underinsured motorists. According to LegalMatch.com, these types of insurance generally come bundled together in an effort to help your recover in the event of an accident. This is not always a popular choice, however, as it places the onus on your insurance to pay for another person’s fault.
Find a Car Injury Attorney
If it turns out that your insurance does not cover uninsured motorists, then you need to find a car injury attorney immediately. Approximately 52% of all personal injury lawsuits are related to auto accidents. Needless to say, finding a good lawyer who has experience in personal injury is the key to your success. Americans should know that between 95 and 96% of injury cases are settled out of court. Having said that, however, past successes do not guarantee your future victory. Finding the right lawyer can make all the difference.
Be Sure to Document Everything
Whether your insurance covers your bills or you need to find an auto injury attorney, you have to be sure you document every step in your recovery. Car repair costs, doctors appointments, medical records and bills, and any other information associated to the accident is key in getting what you are owed. Knowledge is power when it comes to your success with a car injury attorney.
Getting into a car accident with an uninsured driver, especially when they are at fault, can open you up to a world of frustration, trauma, and financial strain. However, keep these things in mind, and you greatly increase your chances of success. You do not have to do this alone. Car injury attorneys can help you seek justice. Get more here.