Getting into a Wichita Falls or Dallas car accident is a stressful experience that can be further complicated if the person who caused the accident is uninsured. Fortunately, there are a few legal options available for victims of these situations. Understanding your legal rights and knowing the steps to take can help ensure that you get compensated for your injuries and damages.
1. Get to Safety and Call the Police
Your first priority in any accident is to ensure you and everyone else is safe. So, first and foremost, move to a safe location. Next, you should call 911 and report the accident. You should take this step regardless of whether the at-fault driver is insured or uninsured. In any accident, it is important to have documented proof of the accident. This documentation will be important in proving your Wichita Falls or Dallas car accident claim and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
2. Collect Evidence
Once you have gotten to safety and gotten the police involved, you should take steps to collect as much evidence as possible, which includes:
- The at-fault driver’s information, including name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information. If no insurance information is available because the person is uninsured, collect their driver’s license information.
- Take photos and/or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles, and your injuries.
- Collect the names and contact information of all witnesses.
Just like the police report, collecting this documentation will be crucial for pursuing your personal injury claim.
3. Check Your Own Insurance Coverages
If the person who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance, your own insurance policies could contain a few options for recovery. First, your health insurance will likely kick in and cover at least some of the cost of your medical bills. Next, you can look at your own auto insurance policy to see if you have either uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage. Both coverages help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from an accident caused by someone who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Each policy is unique, however, so coverage could vary. It’s important to review your policy carefully and contact your insurer if you have any questions to understand what protections you may have.
4. File a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver
If you don’t have any uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or if your damages exceed the amount of your coverage under those policies, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover from the at-fault driver. However, it is often the case that uninsured drivers do not have a lot of financial resources to recover from, so even if your lawsuit is successful, collecting the full amount of your compensation may be difficult to do.
5. Explore Other Options
If the at-fault party is unable to pay for your damages, you can explore a couple more options for recovery, including:
- Utilizing your health insurance: Like we mentioned above, using your own health insurance is a good way to get your medical bills at least partially covered.
- Third-party liability: If the at-fault driver was acting as an employee of a company when he or she caused the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against the employer.
6. Talk with an Experienced Accident and Injury Lawyer
Dealing with car accidents can be stressful, especially when it involves uninsured motorists and limited financial resources to recover from. Consulting with an experienced Wichita Falls and Dallas accident and injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. A good lawyer will handle the entire process for you, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and even file a lawsuit if necessary.
Contact a Wichita Falls and Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
If you or anyone you know has been in a car accident in Wichita Falls or Dallas, contact our car accident lawyer either by calling one of the numbers listed below or filling out our contact form. For Wichita Falls car accidents, contact us at 940-569-4000. For Dallas car accidents, contact us 945-295-0014. We will give you a free evaluation of your case and offer you helpful information on how to proceed.