In the United States, a car accident occurs approximately every six minutes. Accidents will happen; that’s why we have insurance to protect us. The law requires that every driver have a policy of automobile insurance coverage, which protects you and all of the other drivers on the road. However, sometimes policies can lapse, either intentionally or unintentionally, and you could be involved in an auto accident that is the fault of an uninsured driver. If this happens to you, rest assured that you have legal recourse. Contact Cullotta Bravo Law Group for help today.
What Should I Do?
If you are in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured, you should start by calling the police and filing an accident report. Obtain a copy of that report, which will contain the other driver’s information. It’s also a good idea to get a phone number for the other driver while you are at the scene.
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the collision. Photos of the damage to the other cars help illustrate the collision’s impact and severity.
Next, you should contact your own insurance company to file a claim. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, it will include uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if an uninsured driver hits you.
Sometimes, the at-fault driver may provide insurance information at the collision scene, but that policy proves to have lapsed when you attempt to file a claim. In that case, you should treat it as any other uninsured accident and contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Uninsured motorist coverage typically covers both damage to your vehicle and coverage for bodily injury due to the collision. This means you can be compensated for your injuries, pain, and suffering in addition to your property damage.
Remember that your insurance company will want to see the accident report before paying any claims. They might also ask you to provide a recorded statement; however, you should never give it without first consulting with your attorney.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance?
If the at-fault driver fails to provide proof of insurance, the police may issue a citation to them at the scene. It is also possible that they could lose their driver’s license, their vehicle could be impounded, or they could even be sentenced to jail time. The severity of the penalty depends upon the circumstances and whether this is a repeat offense.
Fortunately, your comprehensive insurance policy protects you when unfortunate events like this occur.
Why Should I Get an Attorney?
In some cases, insurance companies may be reluctant to pay uninsured motorist claims or unwilling to pay the full value of the claim. They might also want to verify that the at-fault driver was uninsured before they agree to pay the claim. If you have Cullotta Bravo Law Group to guide you through this process, they will make sure that you get all the reimbursement due to you. In many cases, the situation can be resolved without having to go to court or even file a lawsuit.
When another person causes an accident that results in a death or injuries, they may be responsible for compensating you for loss of life, injuries, medical expenses, burial costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. However, if that person does not have insurance, the responsibility for compensating you falls on your insurance company through your uninsured motorist coverage.
What to Do if You Are Injured
If you are injured in an auto accident, and the at-fault driver is uninsured, you are entitled by law to compensation. You should contact Illinois personal injury attorneys Cullotta Bravo Law Group right away. Cullotta Bravo Law Group has over 30 years of experience and has obtained many client settlements. You need an attorney to protect your rights. Contact Cullotta Bravo Law Group at 630-898-7800 or online at Cullotta Bravo Law Group right away.
