What happens when you get hit by an uninsured driver?
By law, motorists in California are required to carry auto insurance. Unfortunately, too many people allow their coverage to lapse or simply never purchase it. While you might be carrying plenty of auto insurance coverage, you can’t guarantee that other motorists are. If an uninsured driver hits you, be sure you know what to do.
Gather Information
Whether the other driver is insured or not, if you’re involved in a car accident, you should make a note of the following at the scene of the accident:
- The other driver’s vehicle make and model, and registration number.
- The driver’s name, address, phone number, and drivers license number. (a photo of the drivers license would be the best)
- The damage to the other vehicle.
- The scene of the accident, including road markings, driving conditions, whether the cars had their lights on and car signals.
- Contact details and statements from any independent witnesses.
If you have a camera or a smartphone, take pictures of the scene, the documents exchanged such as registration and the damage to the cars involved.
Call the Police
The motorist could get into some trouble if they cause an accident and don’t have insurance. He or she may ask you not to call the police and offer to pay you cash for the damages. It’s important that you do not accept any cash at the accident scene and that you call the police to file an official police report. The cost for repairs of the vehicle cannot be accurately calculated, and you may be injured from the crash and not yet know because adrenaline has kicked in.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After completing the police report and obtaining the driver’s information, notify your insurance provider that you were in an accident. Your insurer will be able to help you with the next steps on how to file a claim. Having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, covers you for any injuries to you and your passenger and damaged property contained in the vehicle. This coverage helps you when you get into an accident when the other driver was at fault and has no or too little insurance.
You deserve an auto insurance policy that works together to bring you the best possible coverage you can afford. For more information about how we can provide quality protection, contact Lou Aggetta Insurance Agency in Pleasant Hill, California today.