Your stress and anxiety from a car accident rise even higher when the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Many Kentucky drivers rely on insurance to cover the costs of accidents, but not everyone on the road has insurance.
If you find yourself in this situation, knowing your options can help you manage the situation. Remember a few important steps to take after a crash with an uninsured driver.
Check your own insurance coverage
After any accident, one of the first things you should do is check your own insurance policy. In Kentucky, drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance of at least $10,000. This will cover your medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs, no matter who is at fault.
Additionally, check if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage specifically helps protect you in cases where the other driver does not have insurance. It can cover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Collect information and file a police report
Even if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, still collect as much information as possible. Write down the driver’s name, contact details, and license plate number. Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle.
If there are witnesses, get their contact information too. This information will help if you need to file a claim with your insurance or decide it’s worth bringing a civil case against the other driver. A detailed report of the incident might also uncover other parties who might bear fault for the incident and could owe you damages, such as manufacturers or dealers who knowingly sold a defective product.
You should also call the police to file a report. In Kentucky, reporting an accident to the police is mandatory if damages exceed $500 or if anyone gets injured. A police report will provide an official record of the accident, which can be important when dealing with your insurance company.
Although dealing with an uninsured driver can be frustrating, you still may be able to get compensation. If you are not sure about your coverage, now is likely a good time to review it. Staying prepared can make it easier to deal with situations like these in the future.