Getting hit by a driver who does not have insurance can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure where to turn next. You may be left with significant medical bills and missed wages from not being able to work, so it’s essential that you understand the steps you can take to help you get reimbursed for these losses.
Knowing your rights is the best way to make sure you get what you deserve. If you have questions or you’re ready to get started on your case, contact our experienced personal injury lawyer at Lightfoot Law today to schedule a free consultation with a Washington DC uninsured motorist accident lawyer.
Why Lightfoot Law is The Right Choice For Your DC Uninsured Motorist Accident Case
Choosing a car accident lawyer in DC after being hit by an uninsured driver can feel overwhelming as you’re dealing with recovering from your injuries, but it’s a really important step. At Lightfoot Law, we work hard so you don’t have to handle this alone. Here’s why clients continue to choose us to represent them:
- We fight for injured people every day, not for insurance companies.
- Our attorneys have many years of experience dealing with cases just like yours.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for people who were hurt because someone else wasn’t careful on the road.
- Our knowledge of DC accident and insurance rules means we know how to protect your rights and maximize what you receive.
Facing an uninsured driver is stressful, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. Contact Lightfoot Law today.
Essential Steps Your DC Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Can Take To Assist You After a Crash
If you have been in a car accident in Washington, DC, and the driver responsible did not have insurance or does not have enough coverage, you might wonder what to do next. Uninsured motorist accidents cause a lot of stress, but an injury lawyer can help you. Here are some of the steps they take:
- Review your insurance policy to determine how much coverage you actually have for uninsured or underinsured motorist claims.
- Notify your own insurance company about the accident on your behalf to make sure the process starts without delay.
- Collect important evidence, including photos of damage, accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to strengthen your claim.
- Estimate what you have lost – medical costs, missed work, pain, and suffering – and push to get fair payment.
- Handle communication with the insurance company, protecting you from aggressive adjusters.
- Take legal action in court if an insurance company refuses a fair settlement.
Trying to recover compensation from an uninsured motorist accident in DC can be overwhelming, but working with the right lawyer takes some of the stress away for you.
Uninsured Motorist Requirements in Washington, DC
If you get in a crash in Washington, DC, and the person at fault has no car insurance, your own auto policy should step in to cover some of your losses because of the requirement that all drivers have uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Your car insurance must give you at least $25,000 in coverage for injuries to each person, or up to $50,000 total for everyone hurt in one crash. If another driver without insurance hits you or your passengers, this is the money available to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, or even pain and suffering.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
The policy will also include coverage for property damage, such as your car or valuables that were inside the vehicle. They will pay up to $5,000 after you meet your $200 deductible. If you’ve been involved in an accident and the other driver was uninsured, you still have options. Make sure you speak with a car or truck accident lawyer to figure out what steps you need to take to get what you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit Against an Uninsured Driver
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your claim will go through your insurance policy first. However, it’s possible that your insurance will not pay all your costs. Sometimes what you have lost is worth more than what your policy pays out, or your insurance denies part of your claim. In that situation, you may be able to file a lawsuit directly against the driver who caused the accident.
This means you’re asking the court to determine the other driver was liable for your accident and therefore owes you compensation.
Keep in mind that even if you win, collecting payment could be very difficult. Many uninsured drivers don’t have insurance because they can’t afford it. This means even if you sue them, they may not have anything to give you. The best way to handle this situation is to speak with a Washington DC car accident lawyer and figure out your next steps.
Evidence Used to Prove Your Injuries and Losses
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you’ll need to prove your losses in order to get appropriate compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit. This means showing evidence, often including:
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills show the extent of your injuries and what kind of treatment you needed.
- Photographs and Videos: Photos or video from the accident scene can be very useful. Pictures of the area, your injuries, and the damage to vehicles can show what occurred and how serious the incident was.
- Bills and Receipts: To prove what the injury has cost you, save every bill or receipt for costs related to the accident. This includes all medical expenses, car repair costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses that come up.
- Witness Statements: When others who were present during the incident describe what they saw, their words can help back up your side of the story.
- Proof of Lost Wages: You can provide evidence that you aren’t able to work, like a doctor’s note. You’ll then need to show what you normally would be earning, which often comes from paystubs.
This is just some of the evidence that your lawyer will help you collect after an accident. They’ll make sure they obtain everything they need to accurately calculate your damages.
Contact Our Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer to Schedule your Free and Confidential Case Evaluation Today
After any collision with an uninsured driver, it’s natural to have lots of questions, and you shouldn’t be expected to handle it all alone. The choices you make early on can significantly influence any potential insurance or legal case down the road. Fortunately, our legal team is here for you. Seeking legal guidance from professionals who understand these situations allows you to get fair treatment so you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Lightfoot Law today at (202) 919-5453 to schedule your free consultation with a Washington DC uninsured motorist accident lawyer.