Car accidents are stressful enough, but they can become even more challenging when the other driver lacks insurance. In the United States, drivers are required to carry insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident. However, many do not have insurance or are underinsured, leaving injured parties facing complicated legal and financial problems.

The Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King understand the difficulties you are dealing with. These cases require professional legal guidance to pursue compensation from alternative sources, such as your own insurance policy. Our firm is dedicated to protecting client rights and fighting to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.

What Is an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

An uninsured motorist accident occurs when a driver who causes a collision does not have auto insurance. The injured party is left without the benefit of the other driver’s insurance to cover medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses.

In addition to drivers without insurance, there are also situations where a driver may be underinsured. This means that their insurance policy does not provide enough coverage to fully compensate for the damages caused by the accident. In such cases, the injured party may need to turn to their own insurance policy to cover the remaining costs.

How Can I Recover Compensation After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your options for recovering compensation will largely depend on your own insurance coverage. Many policies include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which can provide compensation when the other driver does not have insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

In some cases, you may also be able to use Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage if the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your total damages. This coverage helps bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and the actual amount of your losses. To recover compensation, it is important to file a claim with your own insurance company and provide evidence of the uninsured driver’s liability and your damages.

It is worth noting that insurance companies may not always offer the full amount you are entitled to under your uninsured motorist coverage. They may attempt to minimize the payout or deny certain claims. If that happens, the Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King may be able to help.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

The steps you take immediately following an accident with an uninsured driver can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. First, prioritize your safety and call for help. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is important to get checked by a healthcare professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

After addressing any immediate medical concerns, document the scene of the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take photos of the vehicles, property damage, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information. Even though the other driver does not have insurance, you should still exchange contact information and file a police report. That report will be an important piece of evidence when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Once you have gathered the information, notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with the details. However, before making any formal statements or accepting any settlement offers, we suggest contacting our Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers for a consultation.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

The timeframe for filing an uninsured motorist claim varies depending on the state and the terms of your insurance policy. In general, there is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury claims, including those involving uninsured motorists. In many states, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to review the specific rules in your state and consult with our Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers so you meet all applicable deadlines.

Can I Sue the Uninsured Driver?

In theory, it is possible to file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, in practice, this option is often not effective. Many uninsured drivers lack the financial resources to pay for the damages they cause, even if a court orders them to do so. This is one reason uninsured motorist coverage is so important—it allows you to recover compensation through your own insurance policy rather than relying on the at-fault driver.

If the uninsured driver does have assets or other sources of income, it may be worth pursuing legal action against them. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the situation and consult with our Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers to determine if this course of action is likely to result in a meaningful recovery.

How Can the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help My Case?

The Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King are experienced in handling uninsured motorist cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges involved in dealing with uninsured drivers and the insurance claims process. Our legal team will work with you to gather evidence, assess your damages, and handle negotiations with your insurance company.

If your claim is denied or if the insurance company offers less than what you are entitled to, our attorneys are prepared to further advocate on your behalf. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Let the Trusted Washington, D.C. Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Fight to Protect Your Rights

If you were injured by an uninsured driver, the experienced Washington, D.C. uninsured motorist accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. For more information, call our Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, offices at 202-331-1963 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.