Discovering that the at-fault driver in a car accident is uninsured can be shocking and frustrating. This unexpected situation can leave you wondering how to cover medical bills, property damage, and other expenses.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), about 16.8% to 19.6% of Alabama motorists drive without insurance, one of the highest rates in the U.S. At Cartee & Lloyd Attorney at Law, we have over 77 years of experience in handling complex claims involving uninsured drivers. We are here to help you navigate these challenges and protect your rights.
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Hale County, it’s essential to take the same steps you would in any other car accident. Here’s what you should do:
Taking these steps can protect your legal rights and help ensure your claims process moves smoothly.
At Cartee & Lloyd Attorney at Law, we step in to handle the adversarial relationship that often arises with your own insurance company. In these cases, your insurance company may act as if it is representing the at-fault driver. Unfortunately, this means they might try to pay as little as possible. Our legal team will ensure that your insurer provides the full benefits available under your auto insurance policy. We know how to navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve, covering medical expenses and property damage. With our help, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side.
When the other driver cannot pay, it’s important to look toward your own insurance policy and other legal options to cover your medical bills and property damage. This is where your own coverage, including uninsured motorist insurance coverage, can play a crucial role. Let’s look at some of your options for financial recovery after a car accident with an uninsured driver.
Alabama law (Alabama Code § 32-7-23) requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Unless you rejected it in writing, you likely have this protection. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to recover these costs. UM coverage is a crucial safeguard when dealing with an uninsured driver.
Medical Payments (MedPay) benefits are another option to cover hospital costs after an accident. This optional coverage is part of many auto insurance policies and can help pay for immediate medical treatment, regardless of who caused the accident. If you have MedPay, it can cover medical bills for you and your passengers. Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured, MedPay can help cover your medical expenses until your other claims are resolved. It’s an important option for ensuring that you get the medical attention you need right away.
At Cartee & Lloyd Attorney at Law, we understand how complicated these cases can be. If you're dealing with an uninsured driver, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal guidance. Our team is here to help you navigate insurance claims and pursue financial recovery.
In Alabama, even if you're filing an uninsured motorist claim, you must prove that the other driver was 100% at fault. This is because of Alabama’s contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found even 1% responsible for the accident, you cannot recover damages. This strict rule makes it crucial to have solid evidence, like witness statements and police reports, to support your case. If the other driver’s insurance doesn’t cover your medical bills or property damage, the stakes are high.
Our legal team will help you gather all the necessary documentation, such as medical records and accident scene photos, to show the other driver’s full liability.
If the uninsured driver is at fault in an accident, you may consider suing them personally. However, filing a lawsuit against an individual can be challenging. Most uninsured drivers are "judgment-proof," meaning they have little or no assets or income to pay any judgment. Even if you win the case, collecting the money could be difficult. This is why we recommend exploring other options, such as using your own auto insurance or pursuing property damage liability claims through your policy.
In Alabama, if you have multiple vehicles on one policy, you may be able to "stack" the uninsured motorist (UM) limits. Stacking allows you to combine the UM coverage limits for each vehicle, potentially increasing your total compensation after an auto accident. This can be a valuable option if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. If you have this type of coverage, we can help you file an auto injury claim that maximizes your compensation. This approach ensures that your policy provides the most protection possible in the event of an accident.
Even if you're filing a claim against your own insurance company, it can still be a legal battle. Insurance companies, especially when it comes to auto insurance claims, are often focused on paying as little as possible. At Cartee & Lloyd Attorney at Law, we work to ensure that your insurance company treats you fairly and honors the policy you’ve paid for.
Whether it’s through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), collision coverage, or underinsured motorist protection, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the claim process so you can focus on your recovery.
Yes, driving without car insurance is illegal in Alabama. The state requires all drivers to have liability insurance.
It may. Your auto insurance premium could increase after you file a claim, especially if you use your uninsured motorist coverage.
As a passenger, you can file a claim through the driver’s insurance or your own uninsured motorist coverage if the driver has no insurance.
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage can apply to hit-and-run accidents, as long as you report the accident and file a claim with your insurer.
You may be able to recover for pain and suffering through your own insurance if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or underinsured motorist coverage.
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for an uninsured motorist accident is typically two years from the date of the accident.
At Cartee & Lloyd Attorney at Law, we understand that you shouldn't be punished for someone else’s irresponsibility. If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you explore your path to recovery and make sure your rights are protected. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Call us today!
We listen to your story and understand your struggles. We handle the insurance companies and hire the experts and do the things necessary to win your case while you focus on going to the doctor and recovering from your injuries.
Through over 77 years of combined litigation experience, we have learned that the best way to make an insurance company pay you fairly for your damages is to be well prepared, fully investigate every detail, hire experts and prepare your case for trial even if most cases will settle without trial.
We know the law and have decades of experience in the courtroom and dealing with insurance companies. We use all of our resources to hire the experts necessary for trial, fully investigate, and pay for your medical records and litigation expenses so that you do not have to come out of pocket yourself while you are struggling to recover. We fight the big insurance companies for you and only get paid for our time and expenses if we recover for you.
Don’t fall for lawyer ads telling you Ai will tell you the value of your car wreck case or believe flashing dollars on a lawyer tv commercial. The real value of your case is what a judge or jury decides is the value of your case after hearing all of the law and evidence. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know the issues that affect the value of your case. We have over 77 years of combined litigation experience and we stand ready to take your case to trial if an insurance company refuses to fairly compensate you for your injuries and damages.
Your success matters to us. Since 1992, we have helped over 11,000 clients in Alabama and recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We measure our success by helping you receive the justice and fairness that you deserve.
"*" indicates required fields
