In nearly every state in America, drivers are required to carry automobile insurance. Driving is always a risky activity and the consequences are expensive, so the insurance industry pays for claims to help settle matters without involving the courts. But what happens when someone doesn’t do their part?
That’s when you call an car accident attorney in Covington. Our team of lawyers at John Foy & Associates will seek ways to get you necessary compensation, but there are some things you can do beforehand that can improve your chances. Read on to learn what to do if you’re in this situation.
What to Do When the Other Driver Is Uninsured
First, do not get angry or try to cast blame. The state will have plenty of ways to punish the driver who didn’t have insurance. Try to get their name and contact information. If the other driver tries to flee, try to get their license plate number.
The other driver may ask you not to call the police, but you need to get evidence of the accident. Without a police report, there will be no way to prove that you were in a wreck. You may still collect because of their negligence, but you’ll need the report to prove it.
Follow all the normal tasks after a wreck as well, like checking for injuries, calling paramedics, and moving your vehicle off the road. Once you’ve been released from the scene, go see a doctor for a checkup, then call our uninsured motorist accident lawyers.
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How do I Get Money from an Uninsured Motorist?
Uninsured and hit-and-run accidents leave you in the same spot. Which insurance policy do you need to make a claim against to get compensation? There are two major ways you can get money from an uninsured motorist.
The most likely one is you’ll need to file against your own uninsured motorist policy. Most people carry this extra protection for this circumstance. Unfortunately, it may not cover all your needs. If you can afford it, bumping up your policy limit for this coverage is a great way to protect yourself.
There is also the chance you can sue the other driver directly, but this only works if they have assets you can claim. We have forensic accountants that can check if uninsured drivers have hidden assets you could claim in a lawsuit.
The Insurance Company Says the Policy Limit Is Too Small. What do I Do?
A related problem to uninsured motorists is underinsured motorists. They may carry less than the minimum or just not enough to cover your needs. You may have underinsured motorist coverage that could cover some of the gap.
Unfortunately, you may have trouble even with your own insurance company. They don’t want to pay any more than they have to either, but a lawyer can help. Bottom line, you need an uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Covington if there’s any question about lacking coverage.
John Foy & Associates has helped people in Covington for over 25 years with personal injury accidents. We’ve had a long history of pursuing uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Let us put our experience to work for you.
How Long do I Have to File My Uninsured Motorist Accident Claim?
As long as you make your claim within two years of the accident, you are fine under Georgia law. If you go beyond that, your case will be dismissed under the statute of limitations. However, by hiring a lawyer early, you may be able to pause the situation.
Lawyers can pause deadlines like the statute of limitations when there is a legal problem that needs more time. They can handle the details with the court so that you don’t have to worry about breaching the deadline.
Investigating an uninsured motorist can take longer than your standard car accident case, so we suggest speaking with us as soon as you can after your accident. By starting early, you give lawyers more time to do their job before they hit a legal deadline.
Talk to Our Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers in Covington for Free
Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with an uninsured motorist accident. They may try to flee or hide to avoid responsibility. By working with one of our Covington uninsured motorist accident lawyers, you’ll have the best chance of getting compensation.
To start your case, reach out to John Foy & Associates through our contact page or call us directly anytime. Your consultation is free and you will owe us nothing unless you win your case and receive compensation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form