Had an Accident While Uninsured? A Lawyer Can Help You Out

There were 1.59 million car accidents that resulted in an injury in 2020, with a further 35,766 fatal accidents out of a total of 5.25 million. Being involved in a car accident is awful, but if you don’t have car insurance when an accident happens, the situation becomes even more complicated. An uninsured driver faces serious consequences like paying extensive out-of-pocket costs and getting points on your license, yet 13% of all drivers on US roads are uninsured, which is around 29 million or one in eight drivers.

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Fortunately, consulting with a car accident attorney can help protect your rights and reduce some of the fallout.

Why Drivers Go without Insurance

There are a few common reasons why drivers go without car insurance. Some simply can’t afford the monthly premiums, especially if money is tight – the average cost of car insurance in the US is $2,314 per year, which is unaffordable for a lot of drivers. Others underestimate the risk of getting into an accident. Some drivers cancel policies after rates increase. In other cases, a policy may have lapsed due to forgetfulness. 

Regardless of the reasons, driving without insurance is illegal in most states. The penalties for an uninsured driver add insult to injury after an accident, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 as a minimum, plus license suspension and even jail time. 

Consequences of Causing an Accident While Uninsured

After an accident, insurance companies will investigate fault and liability. If you caused the accident while uninsured, you could face severe financial consequences. Without insurance, you would pay all the costs out-of-pocket, including:

• Property damage – Repairs or replacement for the other driver’s vehicle
• Bodily injury costs – The other driver’s medical bills and lost wages
• Pain and suffering damages

In addition, your license will be suspended for at least a year in most states. You will also have to file an SR-22 certificate and pay higher-risk insurance rates in the future. The out-of-pocket costs could be crushing without legal guidance.

Benefits of Working with an Attorney

Consulting with a lawyer well-versed in these cases can help in several ways after an uninsured accident. An attorney can potentially help you:

• Negotiate out-of-court settlements at a lower cost
• Develop affordable payment plans
• File bankruptcy if necessary as a last resort option
• Avoid license suspension or minimize the length of suspension
• Navigate the claims process and dealings with insurance companies

Having experienced legal representation levels the playing field. You have an advocate to protect your rights and best interests every step of the way.

Next Steps After an Uninsured Accident

If you find yourself in this scenario, remain calm and consider these steps:

• Report the accident to the police to create an official record
• Seek medical attention even for minor injuries to document them
• Collect information like witness accounts and take photos of damage
• Consult an attorney experienced in uninsured motorist claims

With legal guidance, an uninsured driver can still responsibly handle the aftermath. The right lawyer can make the best of a difficult situation.