Car accidents are stressful, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages. “Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver”
So, what happens next? Who pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs? Fortunately, there are several options to recover compensation, but the process can be complex—especially if the other driver refuses to pay or flees the scene.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What to do immediately after being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver
✔ How uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage works
✔ What legal options you have if the other driver can’t pay
✔ How to maximize your compensation and protect your rights
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t pay out of pocket for someone else’s mistake. Get a free case evaluation today!
📢 Claim Your Free Case Evaluation Here 📢
Step 1: What to Do Immediately After the Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, follow these steps to protect yourself and your claim:
1. Call 911 & File a Police Report
🚨 ALWAYS call the police—especially when the other driver has no insurance.
✔ The police report serves as crucial evidence for your claim.
✔ If the other driver flees the scene (hit-and-run), let the police know immediately.
🚨 TIP: Even if the driver promises to pay for damages out of pocket, don’t take their word for it. Get an official report.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
📸 Take photos and videos of:
✔ The damage to both vehicles
✔ The license plate (if available)
✔ The other driver’s contact details (if they didn’t flee)
✔ Any visible injuries
✔ Witness statements
🚨 TIP: If the other driver claims they have insurance but doesn’t have proof, don’t assume they’re telling the truth—some drivers lie to avoid penalties.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
🚑 Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.
✔ Keep all medical records and receipts—they will be needed to calculate your claim’s value.
📢 Speak to a Lawyer About Your Medical Expenses 📢
Step 2: How to Recover Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company—but only if you have the right coverage.
Option 1: Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
🚗 Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage helps pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
✔ Covers:
💰 Medical expenses
💰 Lost wages
💰 Pain and suffering
💰 Vehicle repairs (if you have UM property damage coverage)
✔ Available in most states—but not mandatory everywhere.
🚨 TIP: Many drivers don’t realize they have UM coverage—check your insurance policy!
Option 2: Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
🚗 Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.
✔ Example: If your medical bills are $50,000, but the other driver only has $25,000 in liability coverage, your UIM policy can cover the difference.
💡 IMPORTANT: UIM coverage only kicks in after the at-fault driver’s insurance has paid their limit.
Option 3: Collision Coverage (For Vehicle Repairs)
🛠 Collision coverage pays for vehicle damage, regardless of who was at fault.
✔ If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your collision coverage can help.
✔ You will have to pay a deductible, but your insurer may go after the other driver for reimbursement.
🚨 TIP: Collision coverage does NOT cover medical bills—only vehicle repairs.
Option 4: Filing a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver
⚖️ If the uninsured driver has assets, you can sue them personally for damages.
✔ Covers:
💰 Medical expenses
💰 Lost income
💰 Pain and suffering
🚨 BUT: If the driver has no insurance, they may also have no assets—making it hard to collect money.
📢 Speak to a Lawyer to Explore Your Legal Options 📢
Step 3: What If You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is when the at-fault driver flees the scene without providing information.
🚨 In a hit-and-run, your UM coverage acts as if the other driver had no insurance.
✔ File a police report immediately
✔ Report the accident to your insurance
✔ Check for surveillance cameras or witnesses
🚨 TIP: If the hit-and-run driver is identified later, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them.
📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation for a Hit-and-Run Accident 📢
FAQs: Dealing with Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers
❓ Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Use My UM/UIM Coverage?
✔ Not usually—since you were not at fault, insurers typically don’t raise rates for UM/UIM claims.
❓ Do All States Require UM/UIM Coverage?
✔ No, but some states (like New York, Florida, and Illinois) require insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage.
❓ What If the Other Driver Offers to Pay Out-of-Pocket?
🚨 Be cautious! Many uninsured drivers can’t afford to pay later—always file a police report and notify your insurance.
📢 Speak to a Lawyer Before Accepting an Offer 📢
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
🚗 Key Takeaways:
✔ Always file a police report—even if the driver claims they’ll pay out of pocket.
✔ Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
✔ Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the driver’s insurance isn’t enough.
✔ If the driver has no assets, suing them may not be worth it.
✔ If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, collision coverage and health insurance may help.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you don’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. Get the compensation you deserve!📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation Now 📢
“Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver”
