When an uninsured driver hits you, don’t panic. You should still do the same steps you normally do after an accident, like calling 911 and moving your car off the road. Then, contact a car accident lawyer to help you make an uninsured motorist coverage claim.
Uninsured motorists coverage (UM) covers accidents when an uninsured driver hits you. It’s required under North Carolina law and means you have a route to get compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Our Charlotte car accident lawyers can explain your legal options for getting compensation after an uninsured driver hits you. We handle the negotiations with your insurer to make sure you can get what you need from your claim.
Immediate Steps to Take When an Uninsured Driver Hits You
Here are the steps you should take at the accident scene:
- Your first priority should be ensuring everyone’s safety. Call emergency services to report the accident and request medical attention if needed.
- If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to help prevent additional accidents and allow first responders to reach you safely.
- Take photos of all vehicle damage and the accident scene.
- Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver. Even if they don’t have insurance, you are still required to give your information in case they wish to make a claim.
- If there were witnesses, collect their contact information. The police, insurers, and lawyers may interview them to gain their perspectives on the case.
Seek Medical Care Right Away
Getting immediate medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights. Even if you feel fine at the scene, see a doctor as soon as you can. You may have hidden injuries that could harm your health if you don’t get diagnosed.
Medical documentation creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which strengthens your claim. Following your doctor’s treatment plan and attending all follow-up appointments demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Uninsured Driver Scenarios
An uninsured driver may never have bought insurance, but that’s not the only reason you need to use your uninsured motorist coverage. Other reasons include:
Expired Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies treat expired policies the same as having no insurance at all. Check the expiration date of the other driver’s insurance card to see if this is the case. Your uninsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver’s policy has lapsed.
Borrowed Vehicle Accidents
When someone borrows an uninsured car and causes an accident, both the driver and vehicle owner may bear responsibility. In North Carolina, insurance typically follows the vehicle rather than the driver. We can help determine all potentially liable parties in situations involving borrowed vehicles.
Hit-and-Run
From an insurance perspective, a hit-and-run accident is treated like an uninsured driver scenario. You can make a claim with your uninsured motorist insurance. Should the driver be found later and have insurance, your insurer will reclaim what they paid you through subrogation, and you may be able to claim additional damages.
Contacting Your Insurer
Since the other driver does not have insurance, you should use your uninsured motorist coverage. North Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for situations exactly like this. Your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
A lawyer can help you communicate with the insurer and get the documentation they’ll require in the claim. Even though you pay premiums, the insurer may still put obstacles in your way to claim your due compensation. A lawyer’s help can prove invaluable in cutting the red tape.
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Can I Sue the Uninsured Driver?
Filing a legal claim against an uninsured driver remains an option, even if they lack insurance. You have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in North Carolina. Our team can help investigate the uninsured driver’s assets and ability to pay damages.
This is important to check because if a driver has no assets, then they may not be able to pay you even if you have a valid case. A court can take steps such as wage garnishment to recover the money, but you may only get a slow trickle of cash instead of the lump sum you need for your immediate bills.
Furthermore, suing someone always takes time and money to start the process. It’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer first to see if it is worth your time to sue someone directly or seek compensation another way.
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Get Help with Your Uninsured Driver Claim
At DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, we understand the challenges of dealing with uninsured driver accidents. Our team has helped numerous clients with what to do when an uninsured driver hits them.
Even though all drivers are required to carry insurance, many people skip it because they do not want to, or cannot, pay the insurance bill. Nevertheless, it is their responsibility to carry insurance. Don’t let an uninsured driver’s negligence leave you struggling with medical bills and vehicle repairs.
Contact DeMayo Law Offices today for a free case evaluation and to learn how we can protect your rights. View our verdicts and settlements to see some of our great successes in helping people like you get the compensation they need.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
