Managing insurance claims after a car accident can be time-consuming, but it gets even more complicated when you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
Indiana law requires all drivers to insure their vehicles at state minimum levels or higher. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will suspend driving privileges and deliver fines to uninsured drivers.
Even with severe penalties for driving uninsured, 15.8% of Indiana motorists choose to go without coverage.
So what happens when you’re hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver left before providing insurance information? What if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for vehicle damage and personal injuries?
We’ve compiled our best advice into this article so you’ll know what to do after you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Be sure to save the link on your phone or print it out and tuck it into your glovebox to access it quickly when an accident occurs.
What to Do at the Scene
It is important you know what to do after a car accident. Your first task is to determine if anyone needs immediate medical care and call 911 for an ambulance. Even if there are no severe injuries, calling the police is important because insurance companies will review their objective report before paying any claims. Next, you’ll want to be sure that everyone involved is not in danger from the traffic attempting to get around the accident site.
Once everyone is safe, it’s time to share information with the other driver(s) and document the accident. It’s essential to exchange names, insurance information, vehicle make/model and license plate numbers, and contact information. Taking pictures of the other driver’s insurance cards is a great way to collect that information.
Next, if you can safely do so, take a few photos showing the position of the vehicles and the damage that occurred. If the other driver left the scene, taking pictures of any debris left by their vehicle is helpful.
Do Insurance Companies Go After Uninsured Drivers?
Since the other driver’s insurance company will not be paying the claim after an accident with an uninsured driver, it is up to your policy to cover the damage and injuries. Every new insurance policy in Indiana must include coverage for Uninsured Motorists (UM) and Underinsured Motorists (UIM) unless the policyholder waives coverage in writing.
If you waived the UM/UIM coverage and are hit by an uninsured driver, you can take the driver to court and try to recoup your costs. The at-fault driver is legally responsible, but suing an uninsured driver for damages can be costly and time-consuming. There is also no guarantee that the uninsured driver will be able to pay any judgment the court orders.
When to Reach Out to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Even the most helpful insurance companies are businesses created to make a profit. Their number one job is to be as efficient as possible when paying claims, which may mean you do not receive the total compensation you deserve. The best time to reach out to our offices is immediately after you’ve been hit by an uninsured motorist or involved in a hit-and-run. An experienced attorney advocating on your behalf will ensure your claim is filed promptly and you receive the maximum financial compensation. You’ll also want an experienced Indianapolis car accident attorney on your side if you do not have UM/UIM coverage and are suing an uninsured driver for damages.
Don’t delay because timing matters when you’re hit by an uninsured driver or the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Crossen Law Firm has a strong reputation for securing compensation for Indianapolis car accident survivors, with $1 million to $4 million-plus awards for our clients. Call 317-401-8626 now to request a free consultation with an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer. We’re here to help you stand up for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve when hit by an uninsured driver.
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