Top Things to Know if You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver

The aftermath of a car crash is chaotic and uncertain enough, but what if the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance? This realization can bring even more stress and generate further questions. Fortunately, you have legal options even if the other driver wasn’t covered. Here’s what you need to know about accidents with uninsured drivers in Alabama.

You’re Not Alone — Uninsured Accidents are Common in Alabama

Although Alabama requires all drivers to carry insurance and penalizes those who don’t comply, not everyone follows the rules. According to the most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, about 12.5% of U.S. motorists are uninsured.

Alabama ranks seventh in the list of states with the highest estimated percentage of uninsured drivers, with nearly 20% of drivers thought to be driving without insurance. Even more drivers carry inadequate coverage, which won’t cover all your damages. Unfortunately, this means your chances of getting into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Alabama are higher than average.

Know What to Do After the Accident

You can take steps to be prepared before any accident, including those with uninsured drivers. Knowing what to do immediately after the crash can make it easier to recover compensation later, even if the other driver isn’t covered.

Call the police and report the accident right away. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, and get the other driver’s name and contact information. You should also seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries might not show themselves until later, and seeing a doctor right away can help support your claim and show the severity of your injuries. Get a copy of the police report and contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your options.

Your Insurance May Cover the Damages

Alabama only requires drivers to carry insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damages, but insurance companies also offer uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured (UIM) coverage. Though these additional coverages are optional, they can be helpful if an uninsured driver hits you since you’ll turn to your insurer to file a claim.

You may be able to get your bills covered entirely by UM coverage. On the other hand, UIM coverage can make up the difference if the other driver’s coverage leaves a gap between their policy maximum and your damages. Consider adding these coverages to your policy if you don’t already carry them.

There May Be Other Ways to Fight Back

Even if you carry UM/UIM coverage, the insurance company isn’t guaranteed to approve your claim and will often look for ways to reduce the payout. That’s why having an attorney on your side to negotiate with the insurer is in your best interest; if you try to tackle the claims process by yourself, you risk settling for less than your case is worth.

If you don’t carry uninsured motorist coverage, recovering compensation for your damages can be more challenging. You may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the uninsured at-fault driver, where your attorney will prove in court that the other driver’s negligence led to the accident and caused your injuries.

Call Belt, Burner & Barnett P.C. after an Uninsured Accident

Getting into an accident with an uninsured diver can compound the stress you already feel after a crash. You may be unsure what to do next or know your options.

The car accident attorneys of Belt, Bruner & Barnett P.C. have decades of experience with cases like yours involving uninsured motorists. We’ve secured over 80 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, and we know how to advocate for accident victims to be made whole after someone else’s negligence hurts them.

Call today at (205) 933-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation.