What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Car accidents are incredibly stressful experiences, and financial frustrations can escalate if you were injured and sustained property damage only to learn that the other driver was not carrying auto insurance. In Louisiana, drivers are required to carry, at minimum, liability insurance, but unfortunately not everyone follows the law.
After an accident with an uninsured motorist, financial recovery could be possible through insurance negotiations or legal action. When you discuss your situation with a New Orleans car accident lawyer, they can share with you paths forward, including how to access a maximum settlement amount given the particular facts of your case.
Stay Calm, Exchange Information, and Contact Your Insurance Company
During and after a traumatic event, it can be difficult to know what to do next. In the immediate aftermath of a collision, it is important to stay calm and assess the situation. This includes checking yourself and any passengers for injuries. And, if someone is hurt, call 911, if necessary. Also, if your vehicle is in the path of traffic, move the car or truck out of the way to avoid the possibility of additional accidents.
Once you are at a safe location, exchange information with other drivers, including their name, contact information, and license plate number. Additionally, take photos of the accident site, the damage to both vehicles, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained.
Next, when you are able to, contact your insurance company to report the accident. This is important whether or not the other driver is insured. Because if the other driver is uninsured, your own insurance policy may have uninsured motorist coverage that can provide compensation for your damages.
Obtain Compensation from Uninsured Drivers
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, gathering funds from the motorist could be complicated. In these situations, it is often in your best interest to consult with a car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process of obtaining compensation.
For example, if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy, your insurance company may be able to provide compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Or, you may be able to pursue legal action against the other driver. But realize that collecting on a legal judgment could be challenging if the other driver does not have any resources.
Collecting information and weighing your options is part of the process. A New Orleans car accident lawyer will compassionately listen to your story, investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and calculate the full extent of your damages. Then, they will share with you an optimal strategy for getting your accident expenses paid.
Do you want to learn about your options after being in an accident with an uninsured driver? Connect with the seasoned legal team at Palazzo Law Firm. A skilled attorney will inform you of your rights after a car accident in New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna. Call 504-433-1442 for a confidential, free consultation.
