What If The At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. But imagine finding out that the person who hit you doesn’t even have car insurance. It happens more often than you might think as a truck accident lawyer can share — especially in heavily populated states, where many drivers are uninsured or underinsured.

If you’re injured in a crash and the at-fault driver has no insurance, don’t panic. You still have options. In this post, our friends from Mickey Keenan P.A. break down what you can do, how uninsured motorist (UM) coverage works, and where you can turn for help.

How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage Can Save You

One of the best ways to protect yourself before an accident ever happens is by having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto insurance policy. This coverage kicks in if you’re injured by a driver who either has no insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your medical bills and other damages.

In some states, UM/UIM coverage isn’t required — but it’s one of the smartest add-ons you can have. It can help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future care needs

If you’re not sure whether you have this coverage, check your policy or talk to your insurance agent. It’s worth it.

Legal Options When There’s No Coverage

What happens if you don’t have UM coverage and the other driver is uninsured? You may still have legal options.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Personal Injury Lawsuit: You can file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. The challenge is that many uninsured drivers don’t have the financial means to pay a judgment, which makes collecting difficult.
• Third-Party Liability: Sometimes, another party may share responsibility for the accident. For example, if a vehicle malfunctioned due to a manufacturer defect or a bar over-served a drunk driver, you might have a case against those parties.
• PIP Benefits: In some states, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance can cover up to $10,000 of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, this coverage may not be enough if your injuries are serious.

Talking to a personal injury attorney can help you understand what legal routes make the most sense in your situation.

Financial Resources And Protection Strategies For Uninsured Injury Victims

When you’re dealing with injuries and an uninsured at-fault driver, managing the financial side can feel overwhelming. However, there are resources and strategies that may help:

• Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay): Another optional insurance that can help with your medical bills.
• Health Insurance: Your health insurance may help cover some of your treatment costs if auto insurance isn’t enough.
• Negotiating Medical Bills: A personal injury lawyer can often help negotiate with medical providers to reduce your bills or delay payment until your case is resolved.
• Payment Plans and Liens: Some healthcare providers will work with you by setting up payment plans or agreeing to get paid out of a future settlement.

Even if it feels like the odds are against you, the right legal guidance can help you find a path forward.

Don’t Face It Alone

If you were injured in an accident and the at-fault driver had no insurance, you’re probably feeling frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Contact a lawyer near you for help.