Getting into a car accident rarely comes without stress, but collisions with uninsured motorists bring a heightened level of concern. Who will pay your medical bills, replace your lost income, take responsibility for your pain and suffering, and cover the damage to your vehicle? Here’s what to do after an uninsured driver accident in Indiana.
What Should You Do Immediately After an Uninsured Driver Hits You in Indiana?
Immediately after a collision of any sort, make sure you call 911 and check yourself and others for injuries. That 911 call serves the dual purpose of bringing police to the scene to create an official record of the crash and, if necessary, summoning an ambulance to provide care or transport the injured to the hospital.
Next, you will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. That is when you could find out whether they have valid coverage. If they do not have insurance, take down their name and contact details and write down anything you can about their vehicle, including its make and model and license plate number.
Can You Recover Compensation If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
Yes, even if the other driver does not have insurance, you may still be able to file an Indiana uninsured motorist claim and recover compensation under your own auto insurance coverage.
Insurers in Indiana must offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, although drivers have the right to reject this coverage in writing. If you have UM coverage, it is designed precisely for situations like yours. UM coverage pays for your losses up to the limits of your policy.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. However, most uninsured drivers lack the assets necessary to pay a judgment against them.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in Indiana?
Depending on your specific policy, UM coverage may provide compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and vehicle damage. Keep in mind that strict deadlines often apply in UM cases. Notify your insurance company promptly after the accident and file your claim within the deadline outlined in your policy, or you may risk losing coverage.
Will Your Insurance Rates Increase If You Use UM Coverage?
Using your UM coverage to seek Indiana accident compensation will not necessarily cause your insurance premium to increase. Insurers may evaluate claims differently depending on who was at fault and your driving history. UM claims involve another driver’s lack of coverage rather than your own negligence, so a rate increase is not guaranteed. Still, policy terms vary, and insurers can act at their discretion when setting premiums, so it is worth reviewing your policy or speaking with your provider if you are worried about your rates going up.
Get Help Pursuing Your UM Claim from Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the path to recovering compensation may not be as straightforward as you would have hoped. Turn to an Indiana car accident lawyer for support in seeking the just outcome you deserve.
Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC 24/7 to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney and learn more about how we can help you in a free consultation.
