What to do if you are hit by an Uninsured Driver
A car accident is a situation no one wants to be in. It’s dangerous, terrifying, and not to mention incredibly inconvenient. Car accidents are difficult enough – but when you’re hit by someone who has no insurance, or not enough insurance, it adds an extra layer of complexity to an already horrible incident.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage and the accident falls under that coverage, it can help. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, there are a few things you can do after the accident to make sure you’ve covered your bases.
What to do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver:
1. Call the police
First and foremost, do not skip filing a police report. Even if the accident was minor, you need that documentation. Don’t let the uninsured motorist emotionally manipulate you into not calling the police. Without a police report, it’s very difficult to prove who caused the accident. You don’t want to end up in a “he said/she said” debacle. Stay at the scene of the accident (even if the uninsured motorist leaves), call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Take photos of the damage for your own documentation, as well.
2. Keep to the facts
As difficult as it may be, try not to make emotional statements such as “I’m so sorry this happened.” These words can be taken out of context and used against you as an admission of guilt. You don’t want to accept any liability for the accident if you are not at fault.
3. Call your insurance agent
Letting your insurance company know about a potential claim as soon as you can is a good idea. Knowledgeable agents will be able to walk you through the process and help you understand what coverages you have on your policy and how they will or will not apply to your accident.
4. Get a medical exam
When you’re in an accident, adrenaline sort of takes over your body. Because of this surge of adrenaline, you may not even realize you’re injured or in pain until hours or even days after the accident. It’s important you get a medical evaluation to rule out or document any bodily injuries you may have experienced. When filing an uninsured motorist claim, this information could be important.
Uninsured motorist coverage can be surprisingly affordable and is very helpful after a covered accident. Each state has different coverages – like in Alabama, UM coverage only covers bodily injuries and not damages to your vehicle. But in Mississippi and Georgia, it can cover both bodily injuries and property damage. If you have questions about uninsured motorist coverage and to get a quote for this additional coverage, call your local Alfa agent today!