What happens if the at-fault party isn’t insured?

If you’ve been in a car accident, you know that insurance providers play an important role. They assume liability for damages from the accident, which are covered up to a certain amount and according to each driver’s policy. While Louisiana does require that all drivers carry current auto insurance, far too many drivers are still driving the roads without it.

If you get into an accident with a driver that doesn’t have current car insurance, don’t panic. Damages may be covered by uninsured/underinsured motor vehicle insurance (UM/UIM). In cases with significant damages that aren’t covered, you can claim damages through a lawsuit.

Report the Accident To Police

If you don’t report the accident to the police, there will be no record of it, and it will be harder to prove what happened later on if a lawsuit happens. Reporting is especially important when the at-fault party isn’t insured, leaving you with few options for recovering damages.

Reporting the accident to the police also gives you evidence during a lawsuit. A police officer may testify regarding the substance of the report. It’s also good to obtain a copy for your own records as soon as possible.

Gather Evidence & Information

Beyond the police report, it is critical to provide evidence of the fault of the other party, showing that they are either uninsured or not sufficiently insured. From the beginning, at the scene of the accident, it’s good to take pictures, videos, and notes of any damages and injuries. 

A car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence through witness testimonies, on-scene investigations, research, and more. We will help you build the strongest case possible.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Find out whether or not your car insurance policy has uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage and to what extent. 

In Louisiana, UM and UIM coverage is not required to be included in your car insurance policy, but it is required that insurance providers offer it for a small additional cost to your premium. It is usually included as part of a standard coverage policy, so there is a good chance that you have it already.

Report the Accident To Your Insurance Provider

No matter the details of the accident, it’s always important to report it to your insurance provider shortly after. When claiming under UM/UIM coverage, your insurer will have the right to ask questions about your claim and get information from you regarding it. You are obligated to cooperate with that investigation to move forward with your UM/UIM claim. 

Sometimes, a recorded statement may be required, but not always. It depends on the language in your specific insurance policy. 

After the report is finalized, usually there’s a time period where the injured person is having medical care or treatment due to the injuries received from the accident. The insurance company may try to offer a settlement during that period, and that’s common, but it’s usually best to finish treatment before engaging in that discussion. 

It can be tempting to get the insurance claim resolved, but while treatment is ongoing, you really don’t know what the value of the case is yet. Once treatment is done, it’s time to discuss compensation. If the insurer won’t be reasonable, a lawsuit may be necessary. And at the Johnson Firm, we prepare for trial from the beginning because, more often than not, insurance companies think of their bottom line before thinking of your injuries. 

Get Medical Help

Whenever you have an injury after a car accident, get medical help immediately. Car accident injuries come in all forms, so it’s best to get injuries looked at quickly to diagnose any potentially serious issues. 

Various car accident injuries can include head and neck injuries, back injuries, and more. Sometimes, injuries get worse as time goes on. Concussions can occur, and mental conditions can develop after a tragic accident. Whatever medical needs you have, get them looked into early and make sure to obtain all copies of the evidence for your claim.

Consult with a Lake Charles Car Accident Lawyer

When you have been in a serious and damaging car accident, it can be life-altering. If you think that you need to take legal action to collect damages when the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance, it’s best to meet with a lawyer quickly. 

The Johnson Firm can help you decide exactly what damages you need to claim, how much you should expect from your settlement, and how to build your case to be the strongest possible. We will be your guiding light throughout the process and will work hard to get justice on your behalf. 

Get in Touch with Our Top Car Accident Team Today

The Johnson Firm is your trusted team to guide and support you after a car accident when the at-fault party isn’t insured during a car accident. We can help you analyze the legal road ahead and decide what is the best path to take to recover all of the damages you’re entitled to.

Whether you need advice on what path to take or you’re ready to take action, call The Johnson Firm today to schedule a consultation at 337-427-8961 or send us a message now to get in touch!