If you were recently hit by an uninsured motorist, you may be left feeling discouraged and worried about how you will cover your costs. After all, if the driver that hit you does not have auto insurance coverage, you may have concerns that you will not be able to hold them accountable for your damages.
However, with the legal support and guidance of an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney, you can get help ensuring the liable party is compelled to compensate you for your losses accordingly. Although you may not be able to file a claim against their personal auto insurance policy, that does not necessarily mean an insurance claim is out of the question.
There is also the option of filing a civil lawsuit against them to recoup your damages in full. Your personal injury lawyer will need to scrutinize the details of your case to figure out which options are most favorable and what your next steps should be.
Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
The steps you take after an accident with an uninsured motorist could have an impact on your ability to recover compensation and ensure the uninsured driver is held accountable for their negligence. It is important to remember that the uninsured motorist, while irresponsible for lacking auto insurance coverage, may not be the cause of the collision.
For this reason, your car accident attorney will need to conduct an in-depth investigation into the crash so we can reveal the cause and identities of all those who contributed to the accident. However, in the minutes and hours after the accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and gather evidence that could be used to prove fault and liability in your case.
Call for Help
First, you must call for help. You should call 911 and get emergency responders and local police officers to the accident scene. Many uninsured drivers will attempt to convince you that the police do not need to get involved. This is often because driving without insurance coverage could be considered a criminal offense under SC Code §56-10-225.
Failure to carry auto insurance coverage could impact the motorist’s driver’s license and leave them open to criminal charges. However, you have to protect yourself at all costs. Police reports contain valuable information regarding liability, details about the collision, traffic conditions at the time of the accident, and more. Your car accident attorney will utilize this police report to guide your case.
Get the Uninsured Driver’s Contact Information
Next, try to get the uninsured driver’s contact information. Even if they do not have auto insurance in place, that does not mean they will escape liability if they are responsible for causing the collision.
Do not be surprised if, when you ask for their contact information, they flee the scene. If this happens, your uninsured motorist accident could become a hit-and-run, which may also yield criminal charges.
Obtain Medical Treatment
No matter what, you must obtain a medical evaluation. Whether you are seen by emergency medical technicians, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, go to the hospital, or visit an urgent care center, you need to get medical treatment and care.
Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe, it is possible you could be dealing with undiagnosed injuries that are invisible. Invisible injuries have the potential to be life-threatening if left untreated. Furthermore, if you do not get medical help right after the accident, it is likely the defense will argue your injuries are not as severe as you claim, as you did not get immediate medical attention.
Call an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer for Help
As soon as you have an opportunity to do so, get in touch with an uninsured motorist accident attorney you feel confident that you can rely on. We may be able to meet you at the scene of your accident, in your hospital room, at your home, and our office, or remotely, depending on what is most convenient for you.
The sooner you get your car accident lawyer working on your case, the better. Many types of evidence may only be available for a short amount of time. For example, if traffic cam footage caught the collision on camera, this data must be obtained quickly, as it could be overwritten or deleted within 2 to 4 weeks or less. We could also act as your guide as you navigate the claims process.
You may be feeling extremely overwhelmed in the aftermath of your crash and have many unanswered questions about how the claims process works or how to hold the liable party accountable. Instead of spending hours online searching for answers, your uninsured motorist accident lawyer will be there to answer case-specific questions and get you the information you need to make an informed and educated decision about how you want to proceed with your claim.
Consider Your Claim Options
Once you have a personal injury attorney working on your case, you can figure out which options are available to you. If the uninsured driver is responsible for causing the collision, you cannot file a claim with their insurance provider. However, if you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, you might be able to file a claim with your insurer.
You may also have the right to take civil action against the uninsured driver or other parties that may be responsible for causing the collision. When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you have the right to be compensated for all losses, including economic and non-economic damages. While uninsured motorist accidents can be more complicated, you are not without legal recourse.
Get Help from an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a car accident is never easy. However, when you are hit by an uninsured driver, your case may be more complex than traditional car accident claims. For this reason, it is crucial that you have an experienced and dedicated car accident attorney on your side who will work tirelessly to explore your legal options and help you maximize your financial recovery.
When you are ready to hold uninsured motorists accountable for their negligence, take advantage of the free consultations we offer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm. You can learn more about how the claims process works and the value of your damages when you contact our law offices for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to claim yours today.
