Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Roanoke County
Getting hit by an uninsured driver can turn your world upside down. You’re left facing injuries, property damage, lost income, and mounting medical bills through no fault of your own. Unfortunately, around 1 in 8 drivers in Virginia are uninsured, leaving countless accident victims in the lurch.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured motorist in Roanoke County, don’t go at it alone. Arm yourself with the right information and legal help to get the compensation you deserve. This guide will walk you through the steps to take after an uninsured driver accident from making a claim, understanding your rights, and finding the best lawyer in Virginia for your case and to fight for maximum damages.
With the right preparation and legal help, you can recover from a car crash the right way. For strong representation after an auto accident, contact a car accident injury lawyer at Altizer Law, an award-winning Injury Law Firm in Virginia, today for a free consultation, or call us at 540.345.2000.
Collect Crash Evidence at the Scene
After seeking any necessary medical treatment for your car accident injuries, always gather as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident. This can include:
Police Report
Provide a statement to the responding officer and request a copy of the crash report which includes important accident details, vehicle and driver information, and witness statements.
Photos
Take photos of property damage, skid marks, debris, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Photograph the other vehicle’s license plate, VIN, make/model of the car or truck, and lack of insurance information.
Witness Info
Get names, contact details, and statements from any witnesses to the crash if possible. Their accounts of how the accident occurred can strengthen your claim.
Dash Camera Footage
Save and preserve any helpful dash camera or cell phone video documenting the collision. This audiovisual evidence can vividly depict fault.
Seek Medical Care ASAP
Don’t delay getting checked out by a doctor after any accident, even if you don’t have obvious injuries. Symptoms from whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage sometimes take hours or days to manifest. Late diagnosis can hurt your claim, so get prompt medical attention and follow all recommended treatments. Keep notes on accident-related doctor visits, medications, tests, therapy, medical equipment, missed work, and other expenses.
File a Claim with Your Insurer
Notify your own car insurance company about the uninsured car or truck driver from your accident right away. Under the uninsured motorist coverage provision in Virginia, your provider must compensate you for losses as if the at-fault driver had insurance. Give a recorded statement and submit documentation to show damages. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can help maximize your uninsured motorist insurance payout.
Consider Underinsured Driver Coverage
If the at-fault driver has minimal liability coverage that won’t fully pay for your damages, tap into your own. This additional coverage helps bridge the gap between what the other driver’s policy covers and the compensation you rightfully deserve. An attorney can make sure you receive the full amount owed.
Demand Payment from the Uninsured Driver
Even without insurance, the at-fault driver is still legally obligated to pay for your accident-related losses. Send a formal letter through certified mail detailing the damages owed and your intent to take legal action if they fail to pay. Note the deadline for response. While less likely to garner payment, this move puts the other driver on notice and builds your case.
File a Claim with the Uninsured Motorist Fund
Virginia’s Uninsured Motorist Fund exists to compensate eligible victims of uninsured driver accidents. Meet strict notice and claim requirements quickly. However, the maximum payout is only $20,000 total for both property damage and medical costs. A Virginia accident attorney can help handle the complicated claims process for you to make sure you are fully compensated.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
To ensure you receive full and fair compensation, discuss your uninsured driver accident with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. They can help with insurance claims, legal action against the at-fault driver, and accessing additional compensation sources. Don’t leave money on the table – a lawyer can estimate the full value of your case and aggressively pursue maximum damages.
Understanding Your Legal Rights and Options
As an innocent victim, you have legal rights and options for holding an uninsured driver financially accountable. An attorney can pursue compensation through:
Personal Injury Lawsuit
File a lawsuit proving negligence caused your damages. Skilled litigators know how to establish fault and maximize compensation through settlements and favorable verdicts.
Uninsured Motorist Arbitration
If your insurance claim is disputed, legal action may force binding arbitration where an impartial third party reviews the evidence and awards damages.
Restitution After Conviction
If the uninsured driver is convicted of a crime like DUI or hit-and-run, restitution may be ordered as part of sentencing.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will craft the smartest legal strategy to recover full damages in your unique case. Don’t leave money on the table – max out your settlement.
What Life Could Look Like Without This Pain Point
Imagine being able to put this stressful uninsured driver ordeal behind you for good. Without the constant headaches of lost income, piling medical bills, insurance claim battles, car repairs, and uncooperative at-fault drivers, think of the peace of mind you’ll regain.
You’ll be able to channel your energy into positive directions like healing and recovery, enjoying time with loved ones, and restoring stability. The financial security and closure an excellent settlement provides allows car accident victims to move forward.
With the leveraged legal expertise of a seasoned personal injury attorney on your side, you can recover and thrive once again. Don’t let an uninsured driver derail your life – fight back for the outcome you deserve.
How to Get Compensated After an Uninsured Driver Accident
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured motorist in Virginia, follow these key steps:
-
Immediately gather accident evidence and get medical treatment
-
Contact your insurance with an uninsured motorist claim
-
Send a demand letter to the at-fault driver
-
Consult with a personal injury attorney ASAP about legal options
-
Let your attorney handle insurance negotiations and litigation
-
Consider underinsured coverage if at-fault limits are insufficient
-
Apply to the Uninsured Motorist Fund as a last resort
With determined legal representation guiding your case, you can successfully resolve your uninsured driver claim and regain your peace of mind. Don’t go it alone – partner with a personal injury lawyer who will battle for maximum compensation.
What questions should you ask a lawyer about your uninsured motorist accident case?
What is my claim worth?
An experienced lawyer can calculate current and future accident costs to estimate the full value of your case. This allows you to make informed decisions when weighing settlement offers.
How quickly can I get my settlement?
The lawyer will have an idea of a general timeline from intake to resolution based on factors like injuries, damages, liable parties, and legal complexities.
Will you take my case to trial if needed?
Understand if the attorney is willing to take the case all the way to a jury trial if a satisfactory settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
Who pays your attorney fees?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, collecting a percentage only if compensation is awarded at settlement or trial.
What resources does your law firm have?
Choose an attorney with ample resources, experience with similar cases, and a willingness to invest in your case with things like investigators and expert testimony.
Partner with a Trusted Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been harmed by an uninsured driver in the Roanoke area, secure legal representation immediately. With the right preparation and legal help, you can recover from a car crash the right way. For strong representation after an auto accident, contact a car accident injury lawyer at Altizer Law, an award-winning Injury Law Firm in Virginia, today for a free consultation, or call us at 540.345.2000.
