Alabama mandates that all drivers carry minimum car insurance coverage. Unfortunately, not all motorists take this requirement seriously, and they drive with too little insurance or no insurance coverage at all. What’s worse is that Alabama has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the U.S., with as many as 19.5 percent of drivers carrying no auto insurance coverage.
Many motorists worry that when an accident with an uninsured driver occurs, they’ll be on the hook for expensive medical bills, lost income, car damage, and other losses.
At Stokes Stemle, LLC, our car accident attorneys know that coping with an accident involving an uninsured driver can be overwhelming and stressful. We aim to help you avoid the pitfalls of an uninsured motorist claim and outline your legal options for recovering the money you need to cover your losses.
As a motorist, you want to know what to do when an uninsured driver hits you. We have the answers you are looking for. Contact our office today and set up a free case evaluation.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
It can be challenging to know what happens if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or where you begin the process of recovering compensation for your losses. First, follow the same protocols for an accident with an uninsured motorist as you would for an insured driver. Stop, call the authorities, document the scene, and exchange information with the other driver.
Next, review your insurance policy carefully. In Alabama, you typically file an accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company after a crash. If the at-fault driver has no insurance coverage, you should review your car insurance policy to see if your coverage extends to uninsured or underinsured car accidents. Reach out to an attorney at our law firm as soon as possible so we can help you seek compensation from all available sources.
Using Collision Coverage After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Carrying collision insurance means that if you are in an accident with another driver in Alabama, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle through your collision insurance coverage. Many collision coverage policies pay to repair your vehicle following a crash, regardless of who caused the accident. Carrying collision insurance is crucial because you can use it to fix your vehicle, even if the other driver is uninsured.
To cover medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses caused by an at-fault motorist with no insurance, injured people typically turn to the uninsured motorist coverage (UM) on their own auto insurance policy. Alabama auto insurance policies must include UM coverage and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) unless the insured declines the coverage in writing.
Even though you are dealing with your own insurance company when pursuing a UM insurance claim, the car insurance company’s goal remains to make your claim go away as cheaply as possible. The insurance provider still focuses on their bottom line, not your best interests. That is why you need a lawyer from our law firm to stand up for what you deserve in the UM insurance claims process.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Go After an Uninsured Driver for Damages?
It is always in your best interests to involve an experienced car accident attorney following an accident with an uninsured driver or after a hit-and-run collision. The attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC, know what’s at stake financially. We are ready to review your situation and outline your options for recovering compensation. We offer customized legal advice about which options offer you the best opportunity to achieve a favorable result.
An attorney from our law firm can also advocate for you if you file a claim with your insurance company or decide to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured motorists responsible for the crash.
Dealing with an uninsured motorist accident can be stressful and frustrating. Working with a skilled attorney at Stokes Stemle, LLC, can ease that stress and give you peace of mind that your situation is being handled by someone who knows the ins and outs of the insurance industry and the Alabama legal system.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against Uninsured Drivers?
Depending on the circumstances of your situation, yes, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver who caused the collision. However, in most cases, an at-fault driver who lacks insurance also lacks the assets to pay a judgment in a personal injury case, even if the legal proceedings are successful. Pursuing a UM claim is typically your best option for recovering compensation after a crash caused by a driver without insurance.
Impact of State Laws on Accidents with Uninsured Drivers
Motorists are required by law to carry minimum insurance coverage. Drivers must carry proof of insurance showing that they have:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Drivers caught without adequate coverage can face stiff civil and legal penalties, including fines and driver’s license suspension.
The Alabama contributory negligence law may also impact accidents involving uninsured drivers. Under the contributory negligence law, if you file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver but bear partial responsibility for causing the crash, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your financial losses. If you are found to be even slightly at fault for causing a collision, you lose the ability to recover compensation in court, making it even more vital to consult an experienced Alabama car accident attorney at Stokes Stemle, LLC. Our attorneys can build a compelling case that gives you the best chance at pursuing the money you need.
How Our Alabama Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Navigate Uninsured Motorist Accidents
You may wonder, “What can I do if an uninsured driver hits me?” The best thing you can do after such an accident is to contact an attorney with Stokes Stemle, LLC, to protect your legal rights and explain your legal options. We aim to provide personalized legal advice and effective representation to help you overcome the challenges of navigating an uninsured motorist accident.
Contact our Alabama office today and request a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm.
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