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Getting into a car accident is bad enough. But when you find out that the other driver is uninsured, your nightmare just got worse. Roughly 15% of drivers in the Dallas area do not have the required auto liability insurance.
In order to win a car accident case, you first have to prove that the other driver was at fault. Then you have to prove that your were injured and incurred other damages or monetary losses.
Most importantly, you want to get paid. But when the other driver is uninsured, getting paid is practically impossible.
Here are the steps to take to make sure that you don’t fall victim to an uninsured motorist.
Get Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
Even before you get into an accident, the best thing you can do to protect yourself against someone who did not have insurance is to get uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. This coverage will protect you in the event you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. This coverage will essentially step into the place of the insurance coverage that the other driver should have.
Get Proper Information from the Other Driver.
Get all the proper information from the other driver. Be sure to ask for the other driver’s name , address, telephone number, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number. If the other driver is unwilling to give you this information, call the police and tell the 911 operator that you need an officer to help with the exchange of information.
If the other driver says they did not have insurance, don’t necessarily take their word for it. Sometimes, they will lie to prevent you from making a claim on their policy. If you want to make sure, call the police and tell them that the other driver says they don’t have insurance. Tell them you don’t necessarily believe the other driver and you need an officer to help with the exchange of information. If the other driver is concealing the insurance, the officer will either get it from him or issue a citation.
Take Pictures and Get Witness Information.
Take pictures of the vehicles and the accident scene. Also, get contact information from any witnesses. Documentation is absolutely key when it comes to establishing who’s liable to pay for damages originating from the accident.
Getting all this information is essential if you think you will have to make a uninsured motorist claim. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy probably requires you to obtain certain information before your can make a claim. So, be vigilant in your efforts to document the accident.
Hire a Qualified Car accident Attorney.
Unfortunately, if you’re on the roads of Dallas, there is a good chance you are driving among irresponsible motorists who do not have the required auto insurance.
Robert C. Slim has been specializing in car accident cases in the Dallas and Fort Worth area since 1994. That’s over two decades of hands-on experience.
Ultimately, if you’re dealing with an uninsured motorist claim, you may have to file suit against your own insurance company. Especially, if they fail to act fairly in handling your claim. Trust me, you will need a lawyer!