What to do when you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist

We buy auto insurance to protect ourselves from the financial losses related to accidents. The sad part? They happen all the time. Despite auto insurance being a legal responsibility in Wilkes-Barre, PA, some drivers still drive without insurance. So how do you get out of such a mess? Here are a few steps experts at the Shay Agency recommend taking if you are hit by an uninsured driver.

Call the police and your insurance company.

Always call the police whenever you are hit by another driver, irrespective of whether they have insurance or not. Calling the police is even more essential if the other party is uninsured, as their report will help in the claim process.

Get information

Most uninsured drivers will try to do something to avoid the law, like running away. Make sure you get the vehicle details as well as their contact in case they make a move. There will always be witnesses and contact information as you will need them when filing a lawsuit.

Gather evidence

Record the time, place, and how the accident occurred while it’s all clear in your head. Take pictures and videos capturing the damage or injuries. You will need this information when getting compensation from your policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Get the name and the badge number of the officer attending to your accident, the weather at that time, and any relevant information that can help your insurance company get you fully compensated.

Don’t accept money

Lastly, the uninsured driver might try to bribe you into accepting a certain amount of money to avoid legal repercussions. Remember, you do not know the level of damage on your car and your injury levels. The amount you receive may not be adequate to cover your losses.

Are you looking for an insurance company in Wilkes-Barre, PA? At the Shay Agency, we guide you through your auto insurance policy and ensure that you are adequately covered. Contact us for a deal.