What To Do After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver
In Kentucky, the minimum auto insurance coverage that drivers are required to have is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000. In the event of a covered collision, the limits for bodily injury are $25,000 per person. The maximum amount insurance can pay for total injuries in a crash if more than one person is injured is $50,000, and the $10,000 covers damage to another person’s property. Despite Kentucky law requiring motorists to have at least a minimum amount of liability car insurance coverage, the unfortunate reality is that quite a number of drivers in Kentucky are uninsured. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), in 2019, 13.9% of all drivers in Kentucky were uninsured. The at-fault party’s insurance typically pays for your injuries and damages when you get into an auto accident. However, the situation becomes complicated when the at-fault party does not have insurance. Fortunately, you may have options for recovering compensation.
After being hit by an uninsured driver, it is crucial that you stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your interests. You need to take steps to protect your right to compensation. Below, we discuss what you should do after being in an accident with an uninsured driver;
- Call the Police
The first step after being hit by an uninsured driver is to call the police. First, in Kentucky, you are required to call the police if an accident results in injury, death, or property damage. Second, calling the police ensures there is an official record of the accident. A police report can be quite beneficial in legal proceedings.
- Gather Information
After getting hit by an uninsured driver, gather as much information as possible. Collect the driver’s name, address, contact information, license plate numbers, and vehicle information. This information is essential for identification purposes. You want to be able to identify the driver to law enforcement, insurance companies, and other legal authorities.
- Document the Scene
In addition to collecting information from the uninsured driver, you should document the accident scene. Take pictures of the accident scene, including road conditions, vehicle damage, traffic signs and signals, and debris. Make note of the weather conditions and any other factors that may have affected your accident. This information can help establish the facts surrounding your accident. This information can be crucial in determining fault and liability.
- Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical attention even if you think you are not injured or have only suffered minor injuries. Failure to seek prompt medical attention can adversely affect any legal claim you file afterward.
- Contact an Attorney
After being hit by an uninsured driver, contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options for recovering compensation. Your options may include filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver or filing a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Finally, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report your accident. Ensure you provide your insurer with all the information you have gathered.
Contact a London & Southeast Kentucky Auto Accident Lawyer
If you have been hit by an uninsured driver, contact our qualified London & Southeast Kentucky auto accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm. We can help you determine your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
