The law requires that all automobiles on our roads should have auto insurance. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some car owners choose to violate traffic laws either deliberately or out of ignorance.
According to a recent report, 1 in every 4 motorists in Florida does not have auto insurance. This makes it extremely risky for other road users. Moreover, you may have a hard time filing for compensation in case you are caught up in an accident with an uninsured driver.
With this in mind, you should work with an experienced car accident attorney to explore available legal options and increase your chances of getting compensated.
In this article, we discuss what you should do and how you can get reimbursed for medical expenses if you are hit by an uninsured motorist.
How to Seek Compensation for Injuries Caused by an Uninsured Driver
Filing a claim for compensation for injuries caused by an uninsured motorist can be a long and protracted journey. For this reason, it is always a wise idea to engage an experienced car accident attorney to handle your case. Here are your options as far as seeking compensation is concerned:
- Utilize Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) policy
- File a claim on your personal auto insurance cover
- Sue the uninsured driver for damages
All the three options above might not be successful since the uninsured motorist, as well as your insurer, may not be willing to reimburse your medical expenses. To make it worse, the uninsured driver may not have the money to compensate you. Nonetheless, you can boost your chances of compensation by involving a professional car accident lawyer.
Understanding the Basics of Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) Policy
An Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a type of insurance policy that helps pay for damages caused by a driver who does not have auto insurance.
If you are hurt or your car is damaged by an uninsured motorist, you can file a claim for compensation up to the set limit in your policy. However, you must prove that the uninsured driver is 100% responsible for the accident.
A UMC policy covers the following:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Damage to the vehicle
- Pain and suffering
Can Your Auto Insurance Help?
If you don’t have UMC, you can file for damages using your auto insurance policy. However, most auto insurance policies only cover damages caused to the vehicle. Auto insurance does not compensate for medical expenses. Even worse, the insurer may refuse to compensate you if the third party was uninsured.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Motorist for Your Medical Expenses?
Yes. You can sue an uninsured motorist for damages, but this option might not be viable since the driver might not have the money to pay you for the damages. This could bring all your litigation efforts to naught and you will end up wasting your time and money.
Seeking the help of an experienced car accident attorney can increase your chances of success significantly. The lawyer will be able to assess the case and explore your options to determine whether you stand a chance to succeed.
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