Should I Hire a Lawyer for an Uninsured Driver Claim?

You should consider hiring a lawyer if you have been in a car accident with an uninsured driver. While not required to have a lawyer, an uninsured driver claim can become difficult and complex, making legal assistance beneficial for pursuing compensation for injuries, property damage, medical expenses, and more. Importantly, there is a deadline to file a claim, so consult with lawyers as soon as possible.

Why would I need to make an uninsured driver claim?

Even though Washington requires all drivers to have liability insurance, many still drive without insurance or adequate coverage. If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you still need to recover your damages. Therefore, if your insurance policy includes uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.

Filling an uninsured driver claim might seem straightforward, especially if you have a long-term relationship with your insurer. However, insurance companies often aim to minimize their payout. Therefore, it is crucial to remember that even with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, insurance agents might attempt to place some blame on you for the accident. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage could cover damages in a hit-and-run accident if the other driver left the scene before officers arrived.

How can a Vancouver, WA car accident attorney help with my uninsured driver claim?

A car accident attorney can help navigate an uninsured driver claim. Insurance companies often put up a fight, delay claims, and sometimes fail to cooperate. An experienced attorney can manage communications with your insurer, ensuring you do not say anything that could be used against you, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are some ways an attorney can help:

• They can take some of the stress and frustrations off your plate: Therefore, the last thing you want to do is add more stress and frustration to your life. However, an attorney can handle the legal tasks for you while you focus on healing from your injuries. They will collect all necessary legal documents, speak with your insurance company, ensure that everything is filed on time, and negotiate on your behalf.
• They can collect strong evidence to support your claim: Recovering from an accident is stressful. It is very important to have evidence that strongly supports your claim and shows that the accident was the uninsured driver’s fault. Therefore, a knowledgeable attorney will know what type of evidence you need and how to find it.
• They will ensure that you get a fair settlement: It can be difficult to understand uninsured accident claims. However, car accident lawyers handle these types of cases, which is why they can answer any of your questions and concerns and ensure that you fully understand your claim. If you do not have a lawyer by your side, you may think that the amount offered by the insurance company is fair, but it may be much lower than you deserve. Insurance adjusters use various tactics to trick accident victims into accepting lower settlements, which your attorney can help you avoid.
• They will make sure the insurance company cooperates: No matter how long you have used the same insurance company, they may try to delay or deny your claim to avoid paying you any compensation. This is common especially when an individual does not have any legal representation. Therefore, if you hire a lawyer, they will deal with difficult insurance companies and make sure they cooperate.

What if I do not have uninsured or underinsured auto insurance coverage?

Washington requires insurance companies to offer uninsured auto insurance coverage, but drivers are not required to carry it. Many drivers decline this coverage to save money. If you do not have this coverage, your insurance company is not obligated to provide a settlement after an accident with an uninsured driver. Your only option might be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver to recover your losses.

Washington is an at-fault state, meaning one or both drivers are determined to be at fault in an accident. If you are not at fault for the accident and need compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and other losses, it is essential to hire a lawyer to help you file a personal injury lawsuit and begin building a strong case against the defendant. Taking the case to trial requires presenting your case to a judge or jury.

If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, reach out to Vancouver, WA car accident attorneys at Philbrook Law Office at your earliest convenience. We know and understand that being struck by an uninsured driver can be a frightening and confusing experience, which is why we are dedicated to helping you through every step of the process. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation case review in Vancouver or Battle Ground, WA today. We also proudly serve Oregon clients.