When drivers get insurance, they need two types of insurance. There is insurance covering the driver in any vehicle, and there is also insurance for each vehicle. Each vehicle needs to be insured so that it can be licensed and registered. Although vehicles are required to have this insurance, some drivers let the insurance lapse for various reasons.
Millions of car accidents happen every year, and some of those accidents involve uninsured vehicles. Getting into an accident with an uninsured driver can be frustrating. This is because there is no insurance company to pay the claims for the vehicle. Instead, it usually falls to the owner or driver of the vehicle to handle your compensation claims. This could be a problem if the owner does not have money or assets. Fortunately, lawyers can recover that compensation in various ways.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with an uninsured car, consult an uninsured car accident lawyer to see what your legal options are. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation on your case.
Understanding Uninsured Car Accidents
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), it is not legal to drive anywhere in the United States without proof that one can pay for damages or liability if an accident happens. “In most states, auto insurance is mandatory as proof of this responsibility,” it writes.
There are two types of insurance of concern. The first is insurance for the driver of the vehicle. The second is insurance for the vehicle itself. In many cases, the vehicle must have liability insurance to be registered. This means the driver had insurance at the time the vehicle was registered but might have let that insurance lapse over time.
For you, this means the other driver is likely to be held responsible for the accident. If the driver was driving the car illegally, there is a high chance you will be able to claim compensation from the driver for any expenses that you have.
It is important to note that without insurance, there might be a realistic limit to how much compensation you can recover. Many uninsured drivers let their insurance lapse because they cannot afford the policy. This could mean they do not have a lot of money available to pay compensation. Your lawyer can seek compensation in other ways, such as going after their assets and other financial means.
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver and are interested in learning what legal recourse you have, give Ben Crump Law, PLLC, a call today for a free case evaluation.
Determining Liability
If the other driver does not have insurance for their vehicle, liability will still need to be determined. Police will investigate to determine who is responsible for the accident. If you were the victim in the accident, you might be able to seek compensation from the other driver for your expenses.
Common Uninsured Car Accident Expenses
Having an accident on the road usually results in several expenses that are common in car accidents. These expenses include:
- Emergency care costs: Going to the emergency room can be expensive but necessary. You can claim compensation for the cost of emergency room care.
- Car repair costs: Your car will likely need to be repaired or replaced after an accident. Your insurance may help with this, but the extent of that help is largely determined by the type of insurance you have.
- Lost wages: Your injuries or car problems may keep you out of work for some time. If this happens, you will not be paid for the time that you missed in most cases. This will make it harder to pay your bills and afford any expenses that you have.
- Property damage: While your car is probably the most apparent property damage expense you must deal with, you may also have to replace a broken cellphone or laptop. Any item in the car that is damaged or broken in an accident can be claimed in a lawsuit.
This list covers only some expenses you may have after a car accident. Dealing with these expenses can be difficult unless you have a lot of money in savings or high-value insurance. You might be able to hold the other driver responsible and seek compensation in a lawsuit, which could help with your expenses.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
Having a lawyer represent you in an uninsured car accident case may change the outcome in your favor. Because the car was uninsured, this could indicate the driver does not have a lot of money or assets available. Your lawyer will be able to collect compensation more thoroughly and effectively to ensure you are paid. This process can be time-consuming, which can pull you away from working or other responsibilities. Having a lawyer gives you access to legal resources to manage your case while you focus on other aspects of your life.
Settlement vs. Trial
Very few civil law cases make it all the way to trial. The parties being sued prefer not to have cases go to trial because the outcomes usually do not work out in their favor. Instead, they are more likely to offer a settlement agreement, which gives them a chance to negotiate a compensation package that is better for them.
You are not obligated to accept a settlement agreement. You could deny the agreement entirely and go to trial, or you can have your lawyer renegotiate the settlement. This happens because early settlement agreements usually do not meet the needs of accident victims. Have your lawyer thoroughly review the agreement before you agree to it or sign any paperwork. Your lawyer can renegotiate to try to get you a deal that fits your needs.
Your Options for Legal Recourse
Civil law gives you the ability to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident. If you are not responsible for the accident, you should not have to suffer under the expenses of a complicated and long-term recovery. You can hold the other driver responsible and claim compensation for all the expenses that you have related to the accident. This can help you in the long run by resolving the financial issues they caused.
Call Us Today
Getting into an accident with a driver who has no insurance can be challenging to recover from. Fortunately, you still have legal options to hold that driver accountable for the expenses the individual created.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, you might be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your expenses. You have the option of talking with an uninsured car accident lawyer about your next legal steps. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case during a free consultation. We also work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.
