What should I do if I’m in an accident with an uninsured driver? Start by calling the police, documenting everything you can at the scene, and contacting your insurance provider to find out if your Salt Lake City uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you file an uninsured motorist claim.
These early steps can protect your right to compensation and help you avoid unnecessary delays with your case.
What You Should Do if You Are in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
When the other driver has no insurance, figuring out what you should do if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver matters more than ever.
You cannot rely on another party’s policy to cover your losses, so your documentation becomes essential. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be, especially when filing through your own insurer.
File a Police Report and Notify Your Insurer
Always call law enforcement to the scene and file an official police report. This document protects your claim by creating a neutral record of the crash, including details about fault and vehicle damage. If you fail to report the accident, your insurance company may question your version of events or deny your claim altogether.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses, along with the make, model, and license plate of the other vehicle. Since the other driver does not have insurance, this information becomes even more important.
Your uninsured motorist claim will likely depend on the evidence you provide. Insurance companies are more likely to scrutinize these claims, especially when there is no opposing insurer involved. Without clear proof of what happened, they may dispute your injuries or vehicle damage.
Documenting the scene gives your Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer more to work with when building your case. It also shows your insurance provider that you took reasonable steps to protect your claim. If you are unsure of what to do if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, always start with solid evidence.
Request a Copy of the Official Crash Report
After the accident, request a copy of the police report as soon as it is available. This document can support your version of events and validate your claim with your insurance company. The report may also indicate whether the other driver had valid insurance at the time of the crash.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
What to Do If the Crash Involved Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers often lack insurance because they already have a history of risky behavior. When you are hit by someone who was speeding, weaving through traffic, or running red lights, proving their actions becomes critical. Your documentation may be the only way to hold them accountable, especially when they have no coverage.
The Utah Code § 41-6a-528 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” If your crash involved this kind of behavior, it may increase the at-fault driver’s penalties and support your claim.
Your Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can use this information to help show that the other driver’s actions were dangerous and preventable.
Identifying Reckless Driving
Some reckless actions are easy to spot. Excessive speeding, street racing, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals may all point to liability. These behaviors can also show that the driver had no regard for your safety, which matters when your uninsured motorist coverage is reviewing the case.
Even if the police did not issue a citation for reckless driving, your crash photos and witness statements can still prove what happened. A damaged intersection light, long skid marks, or video footage can help tell the story. If you are unsure what to do if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, documenting these details can make a real difference.
How to Protect Your Rights After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
When the other driver has no insurance, you must take extra steps to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
No third-party insurer will cover your losses, so the burden often falls on your own coverage and documentation. Acting carefully in the days and weeks after the crash can help you build a stronger claim.
Avoid Speaking Directly With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer
In some cases, the at-fault driver may later claim they had insurance coverage after all. If that happens, their insurance company may contact you directly to minimize the claim or shift fault. Even casual comments you make could be twisted to suggest you were partially responsible for the crash.
The less you say to them, the better. Let your insurer and your legal advocate handle all communications on your behalf. This protects you from unintentionally damaging your case.
You are never required to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. If they insist on a recorded statement or try to pressure you, politely decline and direct them to your legal team. The same rule applies to written statements or quick settlement offers.
Track Your Medical Care and Expenses Closely
After a crash, your medical records become one of the most important pieces of evidence you can provide. You should keep detailed notes about every appointment, test, prescription, and bill related to your injuries. This not only documents the cost of your treatment but also shows how the accident affected your life.
Consistent follow-ups with your doctor also help prove that your injuries were serious and required care. The more complete your records are, the easier it is to connect your treatment to the crash. If you are missing receipts or appointment details, request them as soon as possible.
Your insurance company will want to see proof of your damages before paying out under your uninsured motorist coverage. This includes both medical costs and any long-term effects from your injuries. A journal or timeline of your recovery can also be helpful, especially if you missed work or struggled with daily tasks.
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Connect With Your Utah Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today
You deserve clarity and support when you are left picking up the pieces after a crash with an uninsured motorist. If you are unsure what to do if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, your Utah uninsured motorist accident attorney from Siegfried & Jensen is here to help you make sense of your next steps.
Complete our contact form today to speak with a Utah uninsured motorist accident lawyer who will treat your case with the care and attention it deserves.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form