In this article, you will discover:
- How to file a claim if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.
- The risks of pursuing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver.
- Your options if you’re injured by an uninsured driver and don’t have uninsured motorist coverage.
How Can I File A Claim If The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
You have two options if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. The first option is to sue that driver personally, which is not recommended. Most people don’t have funds available to adequately compensate someone who’s been significantly injured in an accident.
The second option is, if you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), you can file a UM claim against your own insurance company. Your insurance company will treat this as if they’re the insurer of the other driver.
How Do I Pay For My Medical Bills And / Or Attorney Fees If The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
You can either make a claim on your own insurance or, if you have UM coverage, you can make a UM claim.
How Long Does It Typically Take To Resolve An Uninsured Motorist Claim?
Filing a UM claim is almost identical to filing a claim against another insurance company. It is handled the same way, and takes the same amount of time as if you’re filing a claim against a person who actually does have insurance.
What Are The Risks Of Pursuing A Lawsuit Against An Uninsured Driver?
If you’re suing someone who has no insurance, there’s a high probability they will not have enough liquid funds to compensate you for your injuries adequately. For instance, you could get a judgment against them and find out that the only funds they have are $3,000 in a bank account. That’s probably not going to be enough to satisfy you for your injuries. You’ve gone through all that work and effort, and there may not be any recovery in the end.
What Options Do I Have If An Uninsured Driver Injures Me And I Don’t Have Adequate Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
You have very few options. You can file a claim with your insurance, but there are risks to that. It’s commonly believed that when you file a claim with your own insurance company, they will raise your premiums considerably the following year.
You can also file a claim again against the other driver individually, but that presents problems if their net worth isn’t sufficient to compensate you for your injuries.
Your best option is to have UM coverage. You can file a UM claim that is equivalent to filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
How Do You Manage Clients’ Expectations When Their Compensation Options Are Limited Due To The Uninsured Status Of The Other Driver?
You have to be honest with your clients and tell them about the risks involved in pursuing an uninsured motorist. They need to understand that their options are limited.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on What Happens If The At-Fault Driver In St. Tammany Parish Is Uninsured, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 581-6411 today.