What Happens If the Driver Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?
A collision can have a wide-ranging impact on your life. If you suffered severe injuries, you could be forced to deal with surgery, hospital stays, and mounting medical expenses you never accounted for. If you are forced to miss work, you may struggle to pay your bills and support your family. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, you might be wondering how you’ll get to where you need to go.
If someone else hit you, their insurance would normally be responsible for compensating you. But what happens when drivers don’t have insurance or don’t have adequate coverage to fully pay for the losses you’ve incurred? That could mean more hassle and headache for you.
Our Virginia uninsured motorist attorneys are here to help. We know how painful and stressful an injury accident can be and how frustrating it is to be hit by someone who doesn’t have the insurance needed to pay for your losses. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. We’ll be ready to discuss your options if you’ve been hit by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, including:
Your Own Coverage Could Apply
When someone without insurance hits you, you may feel like you don’t have the support you need. But the fact is that your own insurance could help replace your income and cover your bills. Under Virginia Code§ 38.2-2206, car insurance policies must have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage equal to liability limits. While you may decline these coverages, most drivers in Virginia don’t.
You may also have optional coverages for your vehicle such as collision insurance that could help. This coverage could be critical for getting the car repair or replacement you need to get back on the road.
Finally, your own health insurance may be able to step in and provide coverage for your medical bills. But keep in mind that health insurers and other entities might try to minimize their responsibility to pay you what you’re rightfully owed. Make sure that you have all the facts about your accident, and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. They can stand up to insurance companies and help ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
What Might Be Covered by My Insurance?
When you turn to your own insurance, you may be able to recover the compensation you need. Your own insurance could cover:
- Medical bills related to your injuries
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other property
But even though you may have some coverage for underinsured or uninsured drivers, it doesn’t mean your policies will be able to cover your costs fully. That’s why you may still have the option of bringing a lawsuit against the driver.
Bringing a Lawsuit About the Accident
If you’ve been injured, and the person at fault doesn’t have insurance, you could potentially file a lawsuit against them. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, prepare filings, and fight for you in court. Bringing a lawsuit can be an effective way of recovering the compensation you need, but recovering compensation might depend on the individual having assets available to pay any judgments brought against them.
Contact a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Now
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, contact a knowledgeable Virginia car accident lawyer at The Johnson Injury Firm today. With more than 125 years of collective experience serving our community, we’ve got the skills and resources you need on your side. For a free consultation, call us at (804) 262-9000 or fill out an online contact form to get in touch.
