How to Handle an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Any crash comes with extreme stress, from getting the care you need to being reimbursed for any accident-related losses. When you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your stress is bound to be intensified. Knowing your recovery options can help to streamline your claim. In this blog, our Nashville car accident attorneys discuss what steps you should take if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver and what types of coverage may be available to you.
Call the Police
If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, it is crucial that you report the accident to the police. Contacting law enforcement is even more necessary if there are any injuries or fatalities. The officer who is dispatched to the scene will take down essential information related to the crash and prepare a traffic crash report. The insurance company will ask for a copy of this report when you submit your claim.
Gather Evidence
Be sure to take photos of damaged vehicles, vehicle wreckage, and to write down contact information of any witnesses at the accident scene. Be sure to take notes regarding the exact date/time/location of the incident, road and weather conditions, and information of all the vehicles involved (make/model and license plate numbers). Given the risk of making a mistake when jotting this information down, taking photos is highly recommended.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think you are fine, seek medical attention. Be sure to make the treating physician aware that you were in a crash and of any symptoms that you are experiencing. By receiving medical attention sooner rather than later, you can ensure that your injuries are linked to the crash (which is crucial to preserving your claim).
Contact Your Insurance Company
Tennessee requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 of property damage coverage per accident. Even so, roughly 23.7% of the state’s drivers remain uninsured. Thankfully, if you choose to purchase uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your auto insurance will cover your claim. Tenn. Code Ann. §56-7-1201 requires that UM coverage must be equal to the bodily injury limits stated in the policy. To ensure that there are no delays in processing your claim, you should report the incident to your insurance within 24 hours.
If you do not have UM coverage, you can choose to be reimbursed for medical expenses through MedPay. MedPay coverage can cover any medical bills that you or your passengers accumulate due to the accident, regardless of fault. Since Tennessee drivers select their own MedPay coverage, there are flexible limits, with some insurers offering $100,000 or more in coverage. However, if you do receive an injury settlement or personal injury award later, you will be required to reimburse MedPay. If you have also sustained vehicle damage, then you will need to tap into collision coverage. Although neither MedPay nor collision coverage are required, they are highly recommended.
Contact a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer
Understanding your claim options can be difficult, making it necessary that you work with a Nashville car accident attorney who can review your policy. If insurance claim options have been exhausted, then you may consider filing a personal injury suit against the at-fault driver. Litigation is a complex process, requiring that you have skilled legal counsel by your side. If you would like to discuss your case, do not hesitate to reach out to Raybin & Weissman today. To arrange your free, no-risk consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (615) 256-6666 today.