Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving victims dealing with injuries, property damage, and emotional stress. When the other driver is at fault and is uninsured, the situation becomes even more complicated. In Arizona, about 12% of drivers are uninsured, meaning they lack the financial coverage to pay for damages or injuries caused by an accident.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s essential to know your rights and options for recovering damages. Working with a car accident injury lawyer can help you navigate this process and secure the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we’ll outline the steps to take if you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Arizona and how a personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal maze.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you’re in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Glendale, AZ, the steps you take immediately following the incident are critical. Here’s a detailed guide on how to protect your interests:
1. Ensure Safety and Call the Police
After the accident, check for injuries and ensure that everyone involved is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries are not apparent, you should always call the police to file an official accident report. This report will document important details, such as the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and witness accounts. The police will also determine if the uninsured driver was at fault.
Filing a police report is particularly important when dealing with an uninsured driver, as it creates an official record of the incident, which can help your personal injury attorney later on when pursuing compensation.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect as much information as possible at the accident scene. This includes:
- Photographs of the scene: Take photos of the vehicles involved, any property damage, tire marks, and any visible injuries. Document everything that may be relevant to the case.
- Witness statements: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and if they are willing to provide a statement.
- Insurance information: Even though the other driver may not have insurance, obtain their name, contact information, and vehicle details.
This evidence will help your car accident injury lawyer build a strong case and prove fault if necessary.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you must report the incident to your insurance company promptly. Arizona law requires that you notify your insurance provider within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to do so could affect your claim.
When reporting the accident, explain that the other driver does not have insurance and provide all the details about the incident. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this is where it will come into play.
4. File a Claim with Your Insurance Company
Arizona allows drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This type of coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage if the at-fault driver does not have insurance.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, contact your insurance company to file a claim. This insurance will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related costs that the uninsured driver is not able to pay for.
If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you may still have options for seeking compensation, but your car accident attorney will need to explore other legal avenues.
5. Consider Legal Action
If the uninsured driver is at fault and doesn’t have the funds to pay for your medical bills or damages, you may need to take legal action. This is where a personal injury attorney can help. They can guide you through filing a lawsuit and can also help you explore other options for securing compensation.
In some cases, you might be able to pursue the driver personally for damages, although this can be challenging if the driver does not have assets. Your car accident injury lawyer will help assess the likelihood of a successful claim and determine whether legal action is the best route to take.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Navigating a car accident claim with an uninsured driver can be complex, and insurance companies often try to minimize the compensation they offer. A personal injury attorney in Glendale, AZ, can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and property damage. Here’s how an attorney can assist:
1. Assessing Your Coverage Options
A personal injury attorney will review your insurance policy, including any uninsured motorist coverage, to determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. If your insurance policy does not cover the full amount of your damages, they will explore other legal options, such as pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver or their assets.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even if you have uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. They will ensure that the total costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages are fully accounted for.
3. Filing a Lawsuit, If Necessary
If negotiations fail or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. A lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Your car accident injury lawyer will represent you in court and fight for your rights.
Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Glendale, AZ, it’s important to understand your legal rights and explore all avenues for securing compensation. Working with a personal injury attorney will help you navigate the complexities of your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
For those facing an accident with an uninsured driver, contact Folger Law Firm—a reliable law firm—to discuss your options and protect your rights during this challenging time.
