The aftermath of a car accident is often frustrating for all parties involved. Generally, victims are required to call their insurance company in order to report the incident and move forward. However, in the event that the other driver in the accident does not have insurance, this process can become even more complicated. When facing these matters, it is important to know how to handle them so that you can recover the compensation you need for damages.
What Do I Do After the Accident?
When an accident happens, it is crucial that all parties involved remain calm. This allows you to have a clear mind in order to follow the necessary steps to make the most of the situation. This can include the following:
- Call the police. This allows a report to be documented. If the driver is uninsured, this can help get your expenses covered and make the claims process easier.
- Do not accept money from the other driver. Drivers who do not have insurance may try to offer you money to avoid legal action. Do not accept, even if it seems like a good deal.
- Exchange contact information and vehicle details with the other driver.
- Write down all important details, including the make and model of the vehicle, time and location of the accident, and the name/badge number of the police officer.
- Take pictures of the scene, including all damages of both vehicles, license plates, traffic signs, and the direction the vehicles are facing.
Insurance Claims Against Uninsured Drivers
Calling an insurance company can seem daunting, which is why it is important to be prepared with everything you need to provide them. This makes the process smoother. Information to have can include the following:
- Have your insurance card out for your policy number
- Provide the date, time, and location of the accident
- Give a detailed report of how the accident happened, which is where your notes on the accident come in handy.
- Usually, the claims representative asks for the other driver’s insurance information. At this time, you can provide them with the driver’s contact information.
- Provide the name of the police department along with the report number
Filing a Lawsuit
It is important to know that Texas is not a “no-fault” insurance state. Instead, it is a “comparative fault” state. This means that each driver has to take financial responsibility for any accident in which they are more than 50% at fault. When the driver is uninsured, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in filing a claim with your own insurance company if you carry Uninsured Motorist Insurance/Underinsured Motorist Insurance.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been wrongly injured, you must not wait. Our firm is ready to help you through each step of the legal process to help ensure you recover the financial compensation you need to move on with your life. We are ready to help–all you have to do is contact Brock & Goetzmann, PLLC today.
