Hit By Someone Without Insurance

Male: Now, Legal Briefs with Bree, featuring attorneys from The Higgins Firm with answers and advice for your legal matters.

(Bree): Today on the brief, we are discussing what to do if you’re in an accident and hit by someone who does not have insurance. Here to talk with us more about this is Attorney Jim Higgins from the Higgins Law Firm. Jim, always great to have you here.

Jim Higgins: Thank you.

(Bree): Let’s talk about this. This is a problem unfortunately that happens a lot, so many are ensured. Talk to us about the cases that your office sees.

Jim Higgins: Yes, we do see it a lot. In Tennessee, I believe, the statistics are about 20% or 21% of people don’t have insurance. You know, a lot of people have it, but they just have a little bit. And, so our office, of course, we have a division that’s dedicated to kind of high damage, high injury cases, and so we see it a lot.

And, what will happen is I’ll have somebody that will have, you know, thousands of dollars of medical bills. They’ll have thousands of dollars of loss wages. The person who doesn’t hit – who hit them doesn’t anything. And, so we always – we’ll check out their own insurance policy. A lot of people don’t even know that they have it.

(Bree): Right.

Jim Higgins: And, usually they’ll – hopefully most of the time we’ll have a posit that will cover the UM or Underinsured Motorist is what they call it.

(Bree): Yes.

Jim Higgins: And, they will cover some of those damages and that’s why you have that insurance. It’s important.

(Bree): Right. OK, so step one when you get hit and you’re in this terrible accident, how do you know that – when to actually involve in that journey and what’s, you know, step one in doing so?

Jim Higgins: Sure, well, you know, it always sounds self-serving when I say, but you really – if you’ve been hit and you have high damages, then you should contact us. I mean, if you’re fine, it was little fender bender and you’re OK, then don’t worry about it, but call us. We will tell you if you need one. We’ll go over your policy and we will take over all of that stuff so you can just worry about getting better.

(Bree): Sure, great. And, you mention again just – I guess, keeping those records and keeping your policy handy and bring that, I guess, the first time you come to see an attorney is a good idea then as well.

Jim Higgins: Yes, sure.

(Bree): OK, great. Well, if you would like to contact the Higgins Law Firm, you may do so by looking at the information that is on your screen.

The Do’s and Don’ts After You Were in a Car Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver

Let us say you were driving through a green light and a driver on the opposite side of the road ran a red light and t-boned you. You did not lose consciousness, but was injured and your car was damaged. You are able to talk with the driver who tells you they don’t have insurance. You might feel worried; however, as a savvy driver, you will know to follow these tips provided by the uninsured accident lawyers Tennessee residents have counted on for decades.

Call the Police – Regardless of what happened, or whether or not the other driver has insurance, you should call the police. This is especially important when the driver is uninsured, or has left the scene. The police will file a report which can help to get your expenses covered.

Avoid Accepting Any Money – Sometimes an uninsured driver will offer money in exchange for not reporting the incident. They might do this to avoid fines and fees, as well as other legal repercussions. The truth of the matter is that after an accident, you will have no idea about the full extent of your damages and injuries. Even if, at the moment, it seems like a good deal, you should not accept any money. By doing so, you could give up your right to filing a personal injury claim.

Exchange Information – It is important to get the other drivers contact details and vehicle information. If any witnesses saw what happened, you should also get their statements.

Gather Important Details – After the accident, be sure to take as many photos of the scene as possible. Get the make and model number of the vehicle, and the time of the accident. If police respond, write down the name and badge number of the officer. Consider writing down the events that led up to the accident, as well as those that occurred afterwards. All of these details may help your uninsured accident lawyer in Tennessee.

Call an Uninsured Accident Lawyer in Tennessee

If you have been injured in a car accident that involved an uninsured or underinsured driver, the best thing you can do, apart from getting medical treatment, is to contact your car insurance company to see whether or not you have any coverage that applies to your situation. It is also highly advisable to consult an uninsured accident lawyer from The Higgins Firm. You can even choose to do this immediately after you were evaluated by a doctor. One of our lawyers can review the circumstances of what happened and your policy to explore what options may be available. For a case review with a Tennessee uninsured accident lawyer, call The Higgins Firm now.