Being hit by an uninsured motorist can make a stressful situation even more challenging. It is vital to recognize that you still have legal options. However, there are steps that you can take to navigate through this process and ensure that your rights are protected. Our Seattle personal injury attorney at Bernard Law Group is here to explain our state’s uninsured motorist laws and help you understand your options.
Assess the Accident
After being hit by an uninsured motorist, it is crucial to assess the accident and gather as much information as possible. This includes documenting the car accident scene and seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained.
Documenting the scene of the accident is crucial to supporting your claim. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, any injuries you may have, and the scene as a whole. If there are any witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information. Obtain any dashcam footage or surveillance footage from nearby buildings, if available. This information can help reconstruct the events of the accident.
Seeking medical attention is critical for your overall health and can serve as valuable evidence for your claim. Be sure to visit a doctor or hospital as soon as possible after the accident. Follow their recommendations for treatment and keep all medical documents related to your injury. These records will help prove your injuries and the costs of care.
Notify Law Enforcement
In Washington State, you must report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the Washington State Patrol or local law enforcement. Even if the accident does not seem too severe, you should still request law enforcement to come to the crash scene and create a crash report. This will help when you contact your insurance company about this accident.
File a Claim With Your Insurance Company
Even if the other driver is uninsured, you should immediately report the accident to your insurance company. Depending on the specifics of your policy, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may compensate for your injuries and damages.
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional for Washington drivers and can be purchased from your insurance company. Although UM or UIM coverage is not mandated, state law requires insurance companies to offer it to policyholders. You must sign a waiver if you choose not to purchase this coverage. Reviewing your insurance policy will provide insight as to whether this coverage is
If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company if an uninsured motorist hits you. This coverage can compensate you for some of the damages you face. This includes:
- Property damage: This aspect can help cover repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident. Additionally, UM coverage may extend to other property damaged in a collision, such as a garage hit by a drunk driver.
- Injuries: In addition to covering medical expenses, UM coverage can compensate for lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
It is important to note that while you can file a claim with your insurance company, you may still need to pursue legal action against the uninsured motorist.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you are in a car accident with an uninsured motorist and they are found at fault, you can sue them for various damages. Some of the damages your car accident lawyers in Seattle can help you recover include:
- Medical Bills: This covers past, present, and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: You can recover compensation for wages lost due to time taken off work to recover from injuries.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: This may apply if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
It is important to note that suing an uninsured driver can be challenging. They may not have enough assets to cover your damages, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Your car accident lawyers in Seattle will work tirelessly to advocate for your best interests and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Let Our Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Help
Our Seattle personal injury attorney at Bernard Law Group understands the challenges of dealing with a motor vehicle accident involving an uninsured motorist and will do everything possible to ensure you get justice.
Our team of experienced car accident lawyers in Seattle is available 24/7 to provide you with trusted legal advice and representation. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients and will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track after being hit by an uninsured driver in Washington State.
