Help! I’ve Been Injured in an Accident Where the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance!
Car crashes are no “accidents”. And distracted driving is almost always the cause; whether it’s texting, gazing out the side window or changing the radio station. In fact, these seemingly innocent distractions cause major injuries on a daily basis. While no one wants to get in a car crash, usually there is insurance available to protect the injured victims, as long as everybody involved has car insurance.
Unfortunately, more and more people are driving uninsured. Although this is the number one thing people think to do when buying a car; insure it. Even more importantly, ensure this insurance company policy covers all the necessary things e.g. theft and damage. You can find sites where you can read comparisons and reviews, like these gabi insurance reviews, to make the choice slightly easier for you. Many people put this down to people feeling invincible. But, when those crash bills and medical bills hit, it will become a car driver’s biggest regret. In New Jersey, you can actually purchase an insurance policy that only provides for payment of the at-fault driver’s medical expenses. But, not for the injuries or medical bills incurred by the innocent victim.
What happens when you have been injured in a crash but the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance? This can cause extra stress and headaches. For those who have been hit by a driver with no insurance, what is your recourse? Today, let’s consider your options when dealing with these uninsured motorists.
Medical Bills when Hit by a Driver with No Insurance
New Jersey is a no-fault car accident state. What that means is that regardless of who is at fault for the crash, each driver’s car insurance pays for that person’s medical treatment and bills. This is done to ensure that everyone’s medical bills are paid. And, processed in a timely manner. This is regardless of who is at fault and without having to wait for a determination in court regarding fault, which could take years. Many states require that every driver have PIP (personal injury protection) or MedPay coverage to pay for medical bills.
Therefore, as long as you have insurance, your own insurance company should pay for your medical bills. Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured. If there are issues, you may want to hire an uninsured Driver Attorney to assist. You should always make sure you purchase adequate limits of PIP or Med Pay coverage. This is in order to provide for your medical treatment costs.
Injury Compensation when hit by a Driver with No Insurance
While it is a requirement for drivers to carry insurance by law, that doesn’t stop people from driving without insurance. PIP and MedPay will only pay treatment costs. How do you get compensation for the pain and suffering and disability your injuries caused when the at-fault driver has no or little insurance. Since most people driving without insurance are judgment proof, suing them personally will only be a moral victory and you are likely to never collect any money.
The only real option is to protect yourself by purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you and your family members, up to the limits you select. Of course, in the event that you get an injury in a crash and the other party has no insurance. The coverage cost is reasonable and you should purchase as much as you can afford as this is the only protection for injuries you likely will have when injured in a crash with an uninsured driver. In fact, I often tell my clients to insure themselves with the mindset that everyone is uninsured. You could also opt for insurance for if you become disabled (it never hurts to be too cautious). Total and Permanently Disabled insurance could cover you in a situation where you are unable to return to work at any cost.
Handling Your Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s important to keep potential situations like a lack of insurance in mind. After reporting the accident to your local police, it’s important you follow some steps to ensure you are protecting yourself to the best of your ability. Take detailed notes and take pictures, if possible, to keep track of what happened in the car accident. If you think you may have an injury, make sure to accept medical treatment on the scene. And, seek follow-up treatment immediately. A lawyer will be essential to guiding you through the entire insurance and litigation process to make certain that you take all the right steps from the start and get the best possible settlement.
Your Accident with No Insurance Attorneys
If you have been involved in an accident with no insurance, it’s important you contact the Rossetti and DeVoto today. At Rossetti and DeVoto, we have handled cases where the at-fault driver was without insurance. Therefore, we understand how to best resolve these situations. With extensive experience handling car accidents where no insurance is involved, we look for creative ways to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 844-263-6260 for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
