When an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits your vehicle, you may have little options but to sue for compensation. You also want to consider whether your carrier has provisions for the accident-related losses.
Visit – Solved: Will my insurance rate increase after an uninsured motorist claim? – to learn if your insurance rates will increase following an uninsured motorist claim.
In researching, it’s beneficial to have legal counsel to identify the best solution and handle each step of the claim, including helping to determine whether suing the at-fault party is a viable option.
Despite laws requiring drivers to carry liability and other coverage, roughly 10 to 15 percent of motorists lack adequate insurance.
This means that accident victims are deprived of the financial protection that insurance provides, and the motorists expose themselves to the likelihood of a lawsuit considering they lack this protection.
If an uninsured driver hits you, it’s wise to consult with a reputable and experienced accident attorney like those with Friedman Injury Law . These professionals will guide you toward the best possible courses of action.
They will explain your rights to pursue compensation from uninsured or underinsured motorists who would likely have coverage if they had followed the law.
The Potential for Multiple Liable Parties
The uninsured motorist may not have sole liability for the accident. For instance, if the driver, was on the job at the time of the incident, the employer can also be held liable for accident-related damages.
A skilled attorney will perform an in-depth investigation to establish liability, assess insurance policies, and explain the potential solution for seeking compensation.
Insurance is a key consideration when deciding whether to sue an uninsured motorist when. Your attorney will review applicable policies, including your own insurance to identify whether you have:
- UM – Uninsured motorist coverage or
- UIM – Underinsured motorist coverage
The amount of your coverage may help you decide whether to sue the at-fault motorist. Accident lawyers regularly assess insurance plans and deal with carriers. Despite the at-fault driver lacking an active-plan, following the claims process may be necessary. View here for Nevada insurance requirements.
A Lack of Insurance Can Mean Financial Stress
When considering a lawsuit against an at-fault motorist, you must determine if it will be worthwhile. In some situations, drivers lack insurance because they are financially stressed.
While financial stress doesn’t excuse drivers from the legal insurance requirements, suing the motorist will likely recover little compensation. In that same vein, a motorist may be financially capable but be uninsured for different reasons such as:
- They’re late on payments
- The insurance status was unclear to them
- They chose to be uninsured with the thought process that they were above being caught by the police or having an accident
- Thay are not permitted to drive due to license-related sanctions
Your lawyer will assess the motorist, weighing all relevant details before advising on the lawsuit.
The Benefits of Suing an Uninsured Driver
You may decide to follow through with a lawsuit against an uninsured motorist to achieve one or more of the following benefits.
- Compensation to cover all accident-related expenses, such as medical costs, vehicle repairs, and on.
- Compensation for accident-related pain and suffering
- Suing seems to be the most logical way to receive compensation for the damages
When filing a lawsuit, you are not bound by coverage limits. Your legal counsel will determine the monetary value of the accident-related damages and file for that amount with the liable party(ies).
Should You Hire an Attorney After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
You should at least consider the value in hiring an experienced accident attorney to handle your case. Accident victims trust lawyers for numerous reasons including the following:
- Previous cases like yours: The difference between handling the case on your own and hiring an attorney is the lawyer’s experience with uninsured motorist cases while you have little or none. These professionals frequently represent accident victims and work for the best possible outcome.
- Ample resources: Law firms have access to experts to ensure the strongest possible case. Generally, accidents involve stringent investigations; you want to embrace your lawyer’s access to top investigators, paralegals, and other experts. They aim to obtain the compensation you deserve and will invest toward that objective.
- A no-risk proposition: An accident lawyer for the victim of an at-fault uninsured motorist typically offers clients contingency fees. A fee structure like this means you don’t pay upfront costs or fees. These expenses ae paid by the attorney. The professional will only be compensated if you receive a favorable settlement or verdict.
- Prioritize recovery following the accident: You are the one to prioritize your health. Physicians will help, but you must follow their guidance and put your health above everything else. Allowing a lawyer to manage the case can help your physical and mental wellbeing, keeping your health at the top of your list.
- Limited time: Accident victims typically have limited time available to spare for a claim or lawsuit. When a skilled lawyer handles the case, the professional will put forth their time and effort for the case.
Final Thought
Getting justice for being hit by an uninsured motorist can be a challenge but it’s important to allow a quality and qualified accident attorney to shoulder the demands that come with the claim and a potential lawsuit so that you can focus on recovery.
