According to data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), more than one in ten drivers in our state does not have the minimum mandatory liability coverage. This raises an important question: What to do if hit by an uninsured driver? The short answer is that you should report the crash to the police and your own insurer right away. As frustrating as it can be, you still have options available to seek financial compensation. In this article, our Huntsville car accident lawyer provides a guide to uninsured motorist claims in Alabama.
Four Steps to Take After a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Huntsville
Were you hit by an uninsured motorist in Huntsville or elsewhere in the surrounding area in Alabama? You need to be proactive to protect your rights and your interests. Here are four of the most important steps to take after being struck by an uninsured driver in Alabama:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Get Information: Make sure you follow your legal obligations after a crash in Huntsville. Alabama law requires drivers to stop after a crash and exchange information. You should do your best to move to a safe location if possible and avoid blocking traffic. You should also try to collect the other driver’s name, contact details, and vehicle information, even if they admit they lack insurance. Take photographs of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you can, you should also identify and speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information.
- Report the Crash to the Police: All injury crashes should be reported to the police. It is especially important to report an uninsured motorist crash to law enforcement. Call the Huntsville Police Department or another state or local agency right away. The police report creates an official record of the crash, documents statements, and notes any violations. This report often becomes key evidence in uninsured motorist claims and any subsequent litigation. You should request a copy of the police report after a crash.
- Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: All car accident injuries should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Of course, severe injuries require immediate emergency medical care. Non-emergency injuries should also be a high priority. Do not wait to get medical care after a crash. You should also follow all treatment recommendations and attend follow-up appointments. Any delays in care allow insurers to argue that your injuries were unrelated or less severe.
- Notify Your Own Insurance Carrier: Your own auto insurance company likely requires you to report all crashes. Most policies contain that type of language. With that being said, it is especially important to report uninsured motorist accidents. Indeed, uninsured motorist claims are typically pursued through your own auto insurance policy. You should notify your insurer promptly and provide basic facts about the crash. As a best practice, you should avoid giving a recorded statement without legal guidance from a Huntsville, AL car accident lawyer. Insurers, even your own insurer, may attempt to limit coverage. Review your policy for uninsured and underinsured motorist limits and any notice requirements. A Huntsville car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of the claim.
Uninsured Driver Hit My Car: How Do I Get Compensation?
One of the things that can make uninsured motorist claims especially frustrating is that it can be difficult to know where to turn to seek financial compensation for your damages. In uninsured motorist claims in Huntsville, there are generally three broad paths to recovery:
- Hold Uninsured Driver Personally Liable (Challenging): You may pursue a personal injury claim directly against the uninsured driver. In practice, it is a path that is often difficult because many uninsured drivers lack sufficient assets or income to satisfy a judgment. Even if you establish liability and damages, collection may prove impossible. Wage garnishment and liens require additional legal steps and may yield limited recovery.
- Bring an Uninsured Motorist Claim Through Your Policy: Uninsured motorist coverage often provides the most realistic path to compensation. These claims proceed through your own auto insurance policy but remain adversarial in nature. You must prove the other driver’s fault and the full extent of your damages. Our Huntsville car accident lawyer can help you with an uninsured motorist claim.
- Identify a Negligent Third Party Who Caused Your Accident: Finally, there may be third parties other than the uninsured driver who also bear some responsibility for the crash. Party claims may provide access to additional insurance coverage. These cases require careful investigation and evidence linking the third party’s conduct to the collision. Some third parties that may potentially bear liability for an uninsured motorist crash in Huntsville include employers, truck companies, highway road crews, and vehicle manufacturers.
How Our Huntsville Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Can Help
Uninsured motorist claims are notoriously complex. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, it is normal to have lots of questions about what you need to do next to get justice and full financial support to cover your damages and pay your bills. At Ryan & Rouse, we will be by your side every step of the way. You hear it from our former clients. With millions in compensation recovered for victims and families, our case results show what our Huntsville, AL car accident injury lawyers can do for you. Your first consultation with our Huntsville uninsured motorist accident attorney is free and fully confidential.
Contact Our Huntsville, AL Uninsured Motorist Attorney Today
At Ryan & Rouse, our Huntsville car accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to handle uninsured motorist claims. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With an office in Huntsville, we handle uninsured motorist claims throughout the region, including in the zip codes of 35801, 35802, 35803, 35805, 35806, 35810, 35811, and 35816.