What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
You’re driving safely and slowing for a red light when you hear a sudden crash and feel a jolt. Another driver has hit your car. You get out to assess the damage, but when you ask for insurance information, the other driver admits they don’t have insurance. In another scenario, you see the driver leave before you can call the police. Now what do you do? Your car is damaged, your back aches, and you may need to cover medical treatment and car repairs yourself.
If you have uninsured motorist insurance, these problems could be avoided. This type of coverage adds protection to your existing auto insurance policy. Rhode Island law requires all drivers to carry minimum coverage amounts:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident involving two or more people
$25,000 for property damage per accident
These minimums do not fully protect you from uninsured motorists. If another driver lacks insurance or does not have enough coverage, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured motorist insurance protects you in accidents involving drivers without sufficient insurance. Many drivers skip this coverage, but failing to have it can lead to serious financial consequences. This coverage applies in situations such as:
Your injuries or property damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
The at-fault driver leaves the scene, so you cannot determine if any insurance covers the accident.
Uninsured motorist insurance ensures you receive compensation even when the other driver cannot pay.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage is Essential
Rhode Island has a high rate of uninsured drivers—around 17% of motorists drive without insurance. Nearly one in five drivers may not have coverage, not including drivers with only the minimum coverage or those who flee the scene. The odds of encountering an accident where insurance is an issue are high.
Without uninsured motorist insurance, you face limited options. You could file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but collecting meaningful compensation may be difficult, especially if you cannot identify the driver. You might also try suing a government entity for road defects, but these claims are complex and difficult to win.
An uninsured motorist policy protects you financially after an accident. You file a claim with your own insurance company rather than relying on the at-fault driver’s policy. This ensures you can cover repairs and medical treatment even if the other driver cannot pay.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an uninsured motorist, contact our Rhode Island car accident attorneys immediately. At Inman & Tourgee, we protect your interests so you can focus on recovery while we handle your case. Schedule a free case evaluation today to discuss your legal options.
