Accidents happen no matter what. That is why it is important you have car insurance. But if you get involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, it can complicate matters.
This is especially true if it is the uninsured motorist who is at fault for the crash. Though this is a difficult situation to be in, especially after being involved in a car accident, there are plenty of options at your disposal that can remedy the situation for you. To make it easy for you to make a decision, we’ve listed some for you.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you get involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you will probably have to look to your own insurance company to help you. To keep yourself safe it is prudent to already have an uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage as an add-on to your insurance policy. Although only a few states require it, most insurance companies offer it.
Most states require car insurance for registered vehicles. However, there are a lot of drivers who drive uninsured and that is why it becomes even more important that you have UIM coverage. Be aware that UIM only covers injuries you have sustained during the accident. To ensure that your vehicle is covered for damages, you need to have an Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage.
No-Fault, MedPay, and PIP Coverage
If you do not have UIM coverage, there are other options. The great thing about living in a no-fault state is that your car insurance will cover your medical bills and other damages that you may have incurred. You typically cannot sue in a no-fault state unless the injuries are serious and/or the medical bills exceed a certain amount.
For those that do not live in a no-fault state, you can take out Medical Payments (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage allows you to make a claim during treatment. You can send your medical bills as they come. Some issues may be psychological, like PTSD. For instance, you may find yourself on the toilet sweating experiencing flashbacks from the accident. These issues may not be covered.
Collision Coverage
You can also allow collision coverage to your insurance. This will allow you to repair your vehicle if you are hit by an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver, or even if the accident was your fault. It will not cover medical bills, though.
Insurance Companies Seeking Reimbursement
Your insurance company has the right to go after the person responsible for the accident. If you file an uninsured motorist claim and collision coverage claim, your insurance company can seek reimbursement from the motorist you got in an accident with. However, the insurance company will most likely not do this unless the motorist has enough assets to collect the money.
Uninsured Motorist With an Insured Car
If the uninsured motorist is driving a car that is insured, the car’s insurance policy will cover the costs of the accident. An exception to this is if the driver is not permitted to drive the car. Also, if they are excluded from coverage, the car’s insurance will not extend to the damages of the accident.
Time to Talk to an Attorney
Once you have informed your insurance company of the accident, they can help you find out the application for your coverage. If you live in Brooklyn, NY, and do not have adequate insurance to cover serious injuries, a car accident attorney can help you figure out your options. If you find yourself on your toilet sweating from psychological issues due to the accident, you may need to reach out for professional help. Contact Cameron Law Group for legal aid. Our experts can help you tackle the legalities involved after a car accident. For more details call (954) 994-2254 today.
