Being injured in an accident is stressful enough. Finding out that the other motorist is uninsured just makes the situation worse. Who will pay the medical bills? How does this affect the quality of care received? What if you have to miss work?
These are valid questions and important issues. In order to insure things are handled properly, follow these three steps:
1: Call the police
The first thing you should always to in an accident is call the police. If the at-fault driver tells you that his or her automobile insurance has lapsed or is no longer valid, it is especially important to call the authorities immediately to report the crash. The investigating offers will record important information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number, which can help your attorney’s investigators locate other potential sources of insurance coverage, such as a policy that insures a borrowed vehicle.
2: Seek medical treatment for any injuries
It is important to remember that even if the other driver is uninsured, the Personal Injury Protection coverage on your Florida auto coverage will pay 80% of your accident-related medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, usually up to $10,000. However, you need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, and you need to document any symptoms and treatments that you receive.
3: Contact an experienced Uninsured Motorist lawyer for a review of your personal insurance policy.
Your policy may contain Uninsured Motorist coverage, which is an optional coverage that may provide compensation for your injuries if the at-fault driver’s has no insurance at all, or no Bodily Injury insurance to cover your injuries. Even if you haven’t purchased Uninsured Motorist coverage, you may qualify for free Uninsured Motorist coverage if your insurance carrier did not secure the proper written waiver.
Michles & Booth offers courtesy reviews of insurance coverage even if you haven’t been in an accident. Be prepared for any situation, but if you’re in an accident and need more information on how to bring a claim against the uninsured driver personally, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to help insure you’re not a victim twice!
