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Oh, oh! Hit by an uninsured driver?

On Behalf of | May 24, 2019 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Part 2 in our series on car accidents with unusual circumstances

In nearly every state, drivers are required to hold car insurance policies. However, not everybody obeys the law. There’s nothing more alarming than finding out the driver who caused the accident you were involved in is uninsured.

Here’s what you need to know about uninsured drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents:

Uninsured motorist claims are on the rise

According to The Fiscal Times, about 12 percent of all drivers in the United States are uninsured, and the cost of uninsured motorist claims are on the rise. In 2012 alone, there were $2.6 billion in uninsured motorist claims. This startling number was even more alarming because it showcased a 75 percent increase in the last decade.

The economic reality is that uninsured motorists drive up the cost of car insurance for those who purchase it. This is because these ever-increasing uninsured motorist claims have to be absorbed by the insurance companies. Since these companies are not going to let these claims bite into their bottom line, they in turn pass them on to insured motorists in the form of more expensive policies with higher premium rates.

Surprise: Drivers avoid buying insurance largely due to the cost

Since it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without car insurance in 49 states and Washington D.C., many are left wondering why there are so many motorists on the road who do not have a policy in place. For the most part, these drivers without insurance cannot afford to pay for it. Like many other costs associated with living daily life, car insurance rates have continuously gone up. This has left many people without the ability to pay for it, particularly if they have fallen on hard times or they have a poor driving record that may influence the price of their policy.

Noting that many motorists are breaking the law because they simply can’t afford to adhere to it, there are many state legislatures that are trying to enact policies and programs that will actively reduce the cost of car insurance. However, many of these policies are not as effective as the governmental bodies had hoped.

What should you do if you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver? 

Motorists on the road can expect to continue to see a rise in uninsured drivers, which ultimately increase the likelihood of being involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver. If you are in an accident and have been injured by a driver who does not have car insurance, you may want to seek legal action. Since your insurance policy may not cover the damages, and they do not have an insurance provider, you might be stuck with towering bills. It’s important that you get the settlement that you deserve. To file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in these types of cases. For more information on how to proceed with your case involving an uninsured driver, set up a consultation with an attorney at our personal injury law firm today.

Every car accident is unique, and your circumstances will require a customized legal plan of action. To learn more about unique circumstances surrounding motor vehicle accidents, read the next installment of our three-part series now.