Articles, Car Accidents
What To Do If You’re Hit By an Uninsured Driver in Virginia
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Virginia. Motor vehicle accident victims involved in collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers should contact law enforcement, check their UM policy limits, notify their insurance provider, and reach out to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible – Continue reading to learn more.
If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
Step 1: Notify The Police
When an uninsured driver hits you and causes injuries, it’s in your best interest to contact law enforcement and file a police report as soon as possible, even if it’s a minor collision. Not only does this serve as an official acknowledgement that you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, but it’s absolutely vital in helping you seek reimbursement (potentially from your own insurance) for your covered losses.
Step 2: Check Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Be sure to review your car insurance policy to understand the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it). This coverage is specifically designed to protect insured drivers who are hit by those without adequate coverage or sufficient assets to seek damages from.
In Virginia, your uninsured motorist coverage ensures you have enough insurance to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage (i.e., damaged vehicle, electronics, personal items, etc.) that the at fault driver would typically be responsible for.
In most states, including Virginia, drivers aren’t required to have a UM policy under their own insurance coverage. However, it’s an optional add on to an auto insurance policy that can help an insured driver save thousands of dollars if they’re involved in a crash with a phantom vehicle.
Step 3: Notify Your Own Insurance Company
After you’ve informed the police and checked your UM policy, it’s recommended that you reach out to your liability insurance provider. When talking with them, inform your provider of the accident, that the other driver was uninsured, and that you’ll be making a claim against your own uninsured motorist coverage. However, never admit fault during this conversation – Let your personal injury attorney determine that.
Step 4: Call a Virginia Car Insurance Attorney
Aside from seeking medical attention and contacting your insurance provider, this may be the most important step. A Virginia car insurance attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in VA.
They understand how to recover fair damages from the car insurance company, which can include compensation to get your car fixed, money for medical bills, lost income coverage, and more.
Further, your attorney can help you seek compensation directly from those operating motor vehicles without adequate insurance – Which can be especially helpful in cases that involve a hit and run accident and/or serious injuries.
Why is it Hard to Recover Damages From an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?
Recovering damages from an uninsured or underinsured driver after a serious accident isn’t that easy. That’s because many of these drivers don’t have the financial resources to pay for the damages they cause.
Further, if you have liability collision coverage on your vehicle, but the at fault driver is underinsured, it may not cover all of your expenses. That’s especially true if you don’t have personal injury protection (PIP coverage).
In no-fault states, your own insurance typically covers your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. However, in states like Virginia, you’ll need to rely on your UIM coverage to fill the gap after an accident with an uninsured driver.
It’s important to note that most insurance companies are highly motivated to make low ball offers, which is why it’s essential to reach out to a car accident lawyer to better understand the legal options available to you.
Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in an auto accident due to the negligence of an underinsured or uninsured driver, you may be entitled to maximum compensation. At RVA Trial Lawyers, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you uncover fault, identify uninsured drivers, and seek the damages you deserve.
Don’t wait until it’s too pursue a personal injury case or maximum compensation for your uninsured motorist claim. Contact us for your free consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond, VA today.
“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”
We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:
- Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
- Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
- Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.
We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.
If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
