Car Accident Without Insurance: Important Facts

When a driver is involved in an accident and they don't have car insurance, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. While this type of situation is not ideal, it also doesn't mean that you don't have options. If you have found yourself in this type of situation, it's essential you know what to do to work towards the best possible outcome.

Establish Fault

It's critical to establish fault with any accident, but when it comes to a situation where one driver doesn't have insurance, it's especially important. When you establish fault, you also establish who is responsible for the cost of any property damage and bodily injury.  

If the other driver is found to be at fault, his or her insurance company will likely be the source of any compensation due to you. However, if you are found to be the at-fault driver, the other driver can legally file a personal suit against you, and you will also likely be issued a citation for driving without insurance.  

Limited Compensation

Again, if the other driver caused the accident, you would typically look to his or her insurance company for compensation. However, some states have special restrictions in place that limit the type of compensation an accident victim can seek from the other party's insurance if they did not carry their own coverage. 

These restrictions typically include non-economic damages like a reduced quality of life, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Since you do not have insurance to file these non-economic damages on your own, you would not receive compensation for them. You would only be entitled to seek compensation for physical injuries, lost wages, and property damage. 

No-Fault States

If you live in a no-fault state, your road ahead can be quite challenging. In a no-fault state, each party in the accident is typically required to file a claim with their own insurance company unless their damages exceed a specific amount.

In this instance, it becomes especially critical that you are able to uncover all of your injuries to accurately determine whether or not you exceed the state's threshold. If you do, an accident attorney can help you file a claim for these expenses. If you do not, you could technically be left to cover the cost of all your medical expenses and property damage on your own. 

If you've been involved in an accident without insurance, you should speak with a car accident attorney sooner rather than later. 

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