27 Jun What Happens if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?
Car accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Even if you are a safe and responsible driver, you cannot control the actions of others on the road. One of the biggest risks that drivers face is being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
It’s important to understand your rights and options if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In this post, we’ll explore what happens if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance and what steps you can take to protect yourself financially.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are types of insurance that protect drivers in case they are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. UM coverage applies when the other driver doesn’t have any insurance at all, while UIM coverage applies when the other driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover the damages.
UM and UIM coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from the accident. This can be especially important if the other driver is at fault but doesn’t have the means to pay for damages out of pocket.
It’s important to note that UM and UIM coverage are not mandatory in all states, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if you have this type of coverage and what your policy limits are in case of an uninsured motorist case.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against an Uninsured Driver?
Filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver is possible, but it may not always result in compensation. It’s important to understand the process and potential challenges before pursuing legal action.
The first step in filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver is to determine if they have any assets that can be used to pay for damages. If the driver has little or no assets, it may not be worth pursuing legal action as there may be no way to collect any awarded compensation.
If you do decide to pursue legal action against an uninsured driver, there are several factors that will need to be considered. These include:
- The extent of your injuries
- The amount of property damage
- The at-fault party’s level of negligence
- Your own level of negligence
It’s important to keep in mind that even if you win a lawsuit against an uninsured driver, collecting any awarded compensation can be difficult if the driver has limited assets. In some cases, it may be necessary to garnish wages or place liens on property in order to collect the full amount owed.
Ultimately, seeking legal advice and exploring all available options for compensation is crucial when dealing with an uninsured driver. By working with a skilled attorney and understanding your insurance coverage options, you can ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Protect Yourself from Uninsured Drivers
In conclusion, being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure that you have adequate car insurance coverage.
At Crowell Law Offices, we understand how tough recovery can be when the at-fault driver isn’t fully insured. Luckily, with a lawyer on your side, you don’t have to accept the loss. Talk to your lawyer about your claim over a free consultation by calling 916-303-2800 or by completing the following online contact form.