What Happens If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

If the other driver was uninsured when they caused your accident, you may still be able to recover compensation, often through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Such a policy should be included as part of your auto insurance policy. However, there may be other options available, too, such as claiming directly from the at-fault driver. 

A Birmingham car accident lawyer at Wettermark Keith can review your insurance agreement and help you figure out whether UM coverage is available based on the circumstances. We can also take you through the claims process to make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

What Happens After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?

After a collision with an uninsured driver, the first thing you should do is report the accident and seek immediate medical care for any injuries you may have suffered. Reporting the crash creates an official record of what happened, which can be used later down the line alongside your medical records to support your injury claim or lawsuit. 

Once you’ve gathered all the information from the other driver and discovered they are uninsured, you will need to tell your own insurance company about the accident. They will check if you have UM coverage, investigate the crash to see if this coverage applies, and explain how much compensation may be available. 

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

UM coverage is a part of your insurance policy that can be used to provide compensation if you were injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. According to Alabama Code § 32-7-23, it usually covers bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death. 

While Alabama law requires all insurance companies to offer UM coverage as part of every policy, you do have the right to reject it when taking out your coverage. If you did reject UM coverage and have been hit by an uninsured driver, you will not be able to claim through this policy. As such, you may have to consider alternative routes to cover your financial losses. 

Your Options After Being Hit By an Uninsured Driver

Being hit by another car is stressful enough without having to deal with the fact that the other driver has no insurance. Fortunately, you still have options. 

Here’s what you can do when the other driver was uninsured: 

• Claim through your own uninsured motorist UM coverage. 
• Seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver. 
• Use available MedPay to cover medical expenses. 
• File a personal injury lawsuit and go through the courts to cover your losses. 
• Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer to identify the best course of action. 

When you’ve suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, and vehicle damage, you should be able to claim compensation to cover the costs. And you can, with the help of a Birmingham car accident lawyer from Wettermark Keith. We’ll explain more about what happens if the other driver was uninsured and discuss your options in further detail. 

What if the Uninsured Driver Flees the Scene?

Some uninsured drivers may flee the scene of the crash because they are scared of facing the legal and financial consequences of having no insurance. But a hit-and-run accident can make it harder to identify the at-fault driver and pursue compensation. 

If this happens, you should still report the accident to the police, as they will be able to investigate further and potentially find the person responsible for the crash. UM coverage may also still apply, so make sure you inform your insurance company and give them any information you do have about the collision. 

Legal representation is more important than ever when it comes to hit-and-run scenarios. An attorney from Wettermark Keith can help you understand what happens next and what your alternative options may be for recovering compensation. Learn more about what to do after a hit-and-run from our guide. 

What Happens if You are Found Partially Responsible?

Under Alabama’s contributory negligence rules, your ability to receive compensation may be affected if you are found to be partially at fault for your injuries. 

If another driver caused the crash but your negligent actions also contributed to your injuries, you may be prevented from recovering compensation altogether. This is true even if the other driver is uninsured. 

Having substantial evidence to back up your claim can help to establish who was responsible for the accident and challenge any untrue allegations against you. Wettermark Keith can help you gather and preserve this evidence, including police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, photographs, and more. 

Protect Your Right to Compensation with Wettermark Keith

If you’re worried about the financial burden that follows a car accident, Wettermark Keith can help you file for the compensation you deserve, whether it’s through UM coverage, a lawsuit, or an entirely different route.  

With over 50 years of combined experience, our Alabama car accident attorneys can explain exactly what happens if the other driver was uninsured when they crashed into you. We’ll offer tailored advice based on your specific situation and answer any questions you may have. 

We’ve already secured more than $1.5 billion for our clients and will work hard to achieve a successful outcome for your claim. Reach out to our team to book a free case evaluation.