With the confusion and shock you will experience after you have been in an accident, you may not be sure of the next step to take. The situation gets even more complicated when you have to handle an accident with an uninsured motorist. While no driver will anticipate such a situation, it is always important to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do after such an accident.
Call the Police to the Scene
While you should always call the police after any traffic accident, it is even more important to do so if the other driver is uninsured. Calling a police officer to the scene will help you to acquire an accident report, a document that will come in handy during the claims process. The report may also include bodily injuries and the damage to your car, making it possible for you to get your expenses covered.
Take Care of Yourself
You should always prioritize your health after a car accident, regardless of whether the other motorist is insured or not. If you have sustained injuries as a result of the accident, there is a good chance you will incur medical expenses. Whenever possible, check for any injuries and proceed to seek medical attention immediately.
Document the Situation
Gathering the relevant evidence will go a long way in helping you get the compensation you deserve. Such a move will also help to record the extent of injuries and damages suffered. If you are strong enough, you should take pictures of the accident scene and talk to witnesses. This will help you to build a stronger case during the claims process.
Exchange Contact Information
Exchanging personal information and contact details with the other driver will help you learn that they do not have coverage. Before leaving the scene, you should also make sure you have information such as the registration plate number, the model of the vehicle and driver license number.
Contact Your Insurer
Contacting your insurer will help you to protect both yourself and your car. This is why you should contact your insurer within the shortest time, letting them know that the other motorist was not insured. By working with companies like Wolf Insurance Agency, you will get an idea of how insurance coverage can help you in such situations.
If you are to ensure that your legal rights are protected, you should contact your attorney as soon as possible. The lawyer will evaluate the legal elements of the accident and represent you in court if this becomes necessary.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
