The aftermath of a
car accident often involves the process of determining who was at fault for the collision.
Sometimes, proving fault is not the final step before receiving benefits
— because the driver who was responsible for the accident does not
have sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your injuries. Although
having a car insurance policy is covered by law, people defy those laws
and manage to drive around
uninsured. Or, some drivers who do have coverage do not have sufficient coverage,
and are therefore unable to compensate the victims of their negligence
following an accident. In other cases, there may not even be somebody
you can attribute fault to because you were involved in a hit-and-run
collision.
To account for these situations, insurance providers offer uninsured motorist
coverage. This type of policy provides benefits to drivers who are injured
because of the negligence of another driver who is uninsured, underinsured,
or absent. But what happens if you do not have uninsured motorist insurance
and are involved in a hit–and-run accident, or a collision with
someone who does not have sufficient insurance benefits? Will you have
to pay out of pocket for your injury-related expenses?
Your financial responsibility in an accident with an uninsured driver will
depend on the laws in your state. In a no fault state, you would have
to file a claim with
your insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. Therefore, you
would be covered despite the other driver’s lack of insurance or absence.
In an at fault state, proving fault is essential for recovering compensation.
If you live in an at fault state, you could be liable for the damages
resulting from an accident with an uninsured driver. Depending on your
insurance policy, you may receive some coverage, but will have to cover
your own expenses or sue the other driver (if you know who they are) for
the remaining damages.
If you were injured by the negligence of another person, Gruenberg Kelly
Della is available to discuss your case. Use our
message form or call 888.305.6372 to schedule a free consultation.