If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, you know that car insurance providers play a big part in the outcome. Car insurance companies assume liability in an accident, and it is required to have the minimum level of car insurance defined by the state of Georgia in order to operate a vehicle legally on public roads.
What happens when the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance? There are many steps you can take to get reimbursement for your damages.
6 Steps to Follow If An At-Fault Driver Has No Car Insurance
- Gather evidence.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Visit a doctor.
- Report the accident to your insurance provider.
- Hire a car accident lawyer.
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
As an alternative, damages may be covered up to a certain extent if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage as part of your policy. This is an add-on coverage option, and Georgia requires that car insurance providers offer this option.
In any case, if you have not received reimbursement for your losses, you can file a lawsuit. You don’t need to settle for less than what you are entitled to be owed by law, regardless of whether or not the at-fault party has car insurance.
1. Gather Any Evidence
Begin to gather evidence as soon as the accident happens. You can take pictures, record video, take down a license plate number, and more. The more evidence you have, the better. Your evidence will help strengthen your case and stand up to any defense that the other party has. Your cell phone is a huge benefit in this instance. When taking photos, remember to take pictures of your car, the road conditions, the other person’s car and their license plate. Do not forget to take photos of any obvious injuries you sustained.
2. Report the Car Accident to the Police
Just like any other accident, reporting the accident to the police is a necessity. If the person does not have car insurance, it is even more vital. Without the police report, you will have difficulty proving the legitimacy of all of the events that transpired, and you may have trouble getting legal protection in your case. Make sure you get a copy of the police report as well. The police report will be an official document stating what happened, who was at fault, and what information was provided on the scene.
The other driver may try to convince you to just handle the accident between the two of you, they may promise to pay for everything as long as you don’t report it to the police. Always report it to the police. Do not take strangers at their word, especially when it could be a decision that effects the rest of your life. Hold them accountable by letting the police do their job.
3. Visiting a Doctor
A doctor visit after a car accident is a very important step to take, even if you think your car accident was minor. Many car accidents result in ‘unseen’ injuries. If there is a chance that any injuries exist, seeing a doctor early is best. This helps provide evidence for injuries and can provide a baseline if any minor pain ends up worsening over time. Common injuries after a car accident can range from quick-healing bumps and bruises to traumatic brain injuries requiring lifelong care. Do not take a gamble on your health or on the livelihood of your loved ones. Getting seen by a doctor if the best way to ensure your health is in proper order.
4. Report the Car Accident to Your Car Insurance Provider
After your car accident, you need to call your car insurance provider to determine how much of the damages they will cover. They will tell you what you need to do to file your claim, and give you an idea of what is not covered and what you may need to sue for.
5. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
When you have injuries, property damage, and more resulting from the other driver’s negligence, a car accident lawyer will help you claim all of the damages you are owed and form a case to prove fault.
Your lawyer can fight for justice on your behalf to get you the settlement you deserve, especially when the at-fault party is without insurance and there are major damages.
6. File a Lawsuit
With your lawyer’s help, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is typically the ideal route when damages aren’t fully covered and additional fees need to be collected.
Contact Rafi Law Firm Today
Mike Rafi is a top car accident lawyer in Atlanta with impressive case results, including multiple six-figure car accident case settlements. When you need a lawyer to collect damages for a car accident, contact Mike.
Call 404-948-3311 or send a message to get a free case evaluation today!
