Eradicating Prevalent Misconceptions About Car Accidents Involving A Driver With No Insurance

16 July 2020
 Categories: Law, Blog

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Car accidents can be all-out devastating events, which is why most people do carry auto insurance for financial protection. Unfortunately, when you are involved in a car accident with someone who does not have car insurance, it can bring about a lot of confusion. Here are a few of the biggest misconceptions about these situations. 

Misconception: You can't file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver; you're just out of luck. 

You do have the right to file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver after they have been the cause of your car accident and left you with damages. It can be difficult to obtain a settlement from an individual that has no money or assets, but there can be situations when a judgment can be entered against the negligent party, which means they may face things like wage garnishment to cover the costs of your injuries. 

Misconception: You can always sue your own insurance company. 

If you were carrying uninsured motorists (UM) coverage with your own policy, it becomes the legal responsibility for your policy to pick up the tab for your injuries. If the insurance company is reluctant to offer to do so, you may have reason to file a legal suit. However, if you did not have UM coverage when the accident happened, you may not always have the right to file a lawsuit with the help of a car accident attorney. 

Misconception: Most people injured by an uninsured motorist will never get paid for what happened. 

On the contrary, there are several routes most drivers can take to be paid for their losses after they have been injured by an uninsured driver. The majority of drivers who are involved in these accidents and get hurt do end up getting some kind of compensation to help them pay for the damages sustained. It is always best to work with a car accident lawyer that is familiar with the different things you can do legally to obtain compensation for what took place. 

Misconception: There is no need to get the driver's information if they don't have car insurance. 

Even if the other driver discloses to you that they do not have insurance, it is critical to get their contact information. If you do end up having to take legal action, this information will be important to know. Likewise, do not let the other driver talk you out of contacting the authorities so the accident gets properly documented. 

For further tips, reach out to a local car accident lawyer.