What to Expect when You’ve been Injured by an Uninsured Motorist
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a scary, confusing experience. What caused the collision? Who is to blame? What information needs to be collected? If the other motorist is uninsured, the experience can be even worse.
The Experience
There are over 5 million auto accidents in the country every year. This amounts to more than $200 billion in property damage. Sometimes the drivers are insured, but a surprising number of them are not. It is estimated that 16% of drivers are uninsured. For respectful, conscientious motorists, this is a frightening statistic.
The Process
If someone is affected by an uninsured driver, either directly or indirectly, the steps they take in the next few days are crucial.
- Remember the facts: Court cases are often won on the victim’s ability to prove fault. After you’ve been injured in an accident, it is imperative to start a journal and document not only what happened in the accident, but the effect your injuries have had on your life both financially and emotionally. The sooner the facts can be documented, the better. Stress and trauma can affect memory function. A speedy response is critical.
- Check the policy: The victim needs to check their policy to see how they are covered. Many policies include Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC), which protects drivers in cases like this. UMC covers the victim when they are hit by someone without insurance.
- Get a lawyer: Lawyers that understand insurance law should be able to help victims seek justice and compensation. Experienced lawyers in uninsured motorist accidents, such as those at the Law Offices of Maurice B. Smith, should understand the minutiae involved in motor vehicle cases and be able to help victims through every phase of the legal process.
The Aftermath
A victim’s only job is to recover from the ordeal they survived. The paperwork, negotiations and settlement should be handled by an experienced, compassionate personal injury lawyer.
Find a Personal Injury Attorney