The aftermath of a car accident is often difficult and chaotic. This can be even more so in the event that the driver who hit you does not have car insurance. It is important to know how to handle these situations, as it can impact your potential for a future claim. Continue reading below and contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney for assistance with your case.
What Do I Do After an Accident?
There are important steps to take after a car accident to ensure the best possible outcome. This includes:
- Call the police. This allows a report on the accident to be made. In situations of uninsured drivers, this can make the claims process smoother to recover damages.
- If an uninsured driver tries to offer you money to avoid legal action, it is important to not accept.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Even though they do not have insurance, be sure to gather their personal contact information and vehicle details.
- Write down important information. This can include the make and model of the vehicle, time and location of the accident, the name/badge number of the police officer, etc.
- Take pictures of the scene, including damages to both vehicles, license plates, any traffic signs, and the direction of the vehicles.
Insurance Claims Against Uninsured Drivers
After an accident, you should contact your insurance company. If the accident was with an uninsured driver, make sure they know this and provide them with the proper information. This should include the following:
- Your insurance card for your policy number
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A detailed report of how the accident happened, which is where your notes on the accident go to use.
- When the representative asks for the other driver’s insurance information, you can give them the driver’s contact information.
- The name of the police department along with the report number
How do I File a Lawsuit?
New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means insurance providers generally reimburse victims of an accident for any damages, regardless of who was at fault. In no-fault states, it can be difficult to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover damages because there can be restrictions. This is unless you suffered significant injuries or incurred medical bills over a certain amount. The best thing to do in these situations is to report the incident to the insurance company and contact an accident attorney to discuss your options.
Contact our Firm
A personal injury accident can have a great impact on your life and your bank account. At Katter Law Firm, we believe that everyone should be held liable for his or her own negligence; you should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistakes. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, visit us online or call us today!