You’ve just been hit, and just as you’re getting ready to exchange insurance information, you quickly discover that the car that just hit you is without insurance. It’s a common scenario with 14% of car accidents per year caused by a motorist without insurance. But, what exactly do you need to watch out for? And how do you handle the aftermath?
Uninsured Motorist Statistics
In order to better protect yourself and your property, you should know some basic things about uninsured drivers on the road. Nearly 1 out of every 7 drivers are without insurance, and if you think about that statistic with how many drivers surrounding you on a daily basis during traffic, the possibilities can scare you a little bit.
Some of the reasons drivers go uninsured are:
- The vehicle isn’t in operating condition
- The driver can’t afford to pay for insurance
- Premiums are too high for the driver
- The vehicle runs but it isn’t being used
Southern states are more prone to have uninsured drivers, with Mississippi claiming 26% of drivers are uninsured and Alabama claiming 25% uninsured, whereas northern states like Maine and Vermont claim 4% and 6% of uninsured drivers, respectively. The high number in Mississippi could be due to officials not having any way of knowing if a driver has coverage before registering that vehicle.
It was estimated by the Insurance Resource Council that a total $860.5 million of revenue was generated from uninsured motorist tickets in 2013.
After An Uninsured Motorist Accident
So what exactly will happen after you discover your accident with an uninsured motorist? It just depends on what state you reside in. Some states, called no-fault states, don’t take into consideration who was at fault when the accident occurred. In this case the driver will seek out their own insurance company for payment. Other states, called tort states, calls for the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover damages to both parties.
The coverage varies from insurance carrier, so based on what your policy says, different levels of coverage may apply to your accident. This includes medical bills, property damages, etc.
In tort states is generally where litigation around an accident occurs, as it relies on who is at fault. Your own policy can cover damages and personal injury to an extent, but if your expenses outweigh the payment the insurance is offering, how will you move forward? A driver can possibly have to sue for damages, and with an uninsured motorist, payment can become a hassle. Further litigation may be necessary to cover all funds.
If you’re needing help with your uninsured motorist litigation, give Byrd Law a call at (713) 864-3000! We have expert attorneys in insurance to help you get the payment you deserve.
