If you think you were not expecting to get into a car accident, the other driver in your accident, who was driving around without insurance, definitely did not plan on getting into an accident.
Not only were they at risk of getting a citation for driving without insurance, but now you are left wondering where your damage compensation will come from. A Seattle uninsured motorist accident lawyer will help you out.
Although accidents come in all shapes and sizes, a Seattle car accident lawyer has the know-how to represent you in your case. Siegfried & Jensen has served over 35,000 clients. It is our pleasure to help you navigate the intricacies of suing an uninsured motorist.
Steps to Take After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
Regardless of whether the other driver is insured or not, you were still in an accident. You still need to know what to do after an accident with an uninsured motorist to stay compliant with the law, stay safe, and lay the groundwork for what will become your car accident lawsuit.
- Call 911
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Make sure you and others are safe
- If you are injured, do what you can to seek help
- If others are injured, help them as best you can, including finding qualified help
- Gather evidence, including photos, videos, and witness testimony if any are available
- Make a specific note about the other driver not having insurance, especially when police find that out for themselves
- Get in touch with your own insurance company
- Contact a Seattle personal injury lawyer
Having a good grasp of the steps to take after any kind of car accident will get you far. The only additional piece of information to make sure the police, your insurance, and your uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Seattle, WA are aware of is that the other driver is not insured. It is important to communicate so that all parties know what course to take in their duties.
For a free legal consultation with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer serving Seattle, call (801) 266-0999
Insurance is Mandatory to Drive in Washington
The Revised Code of Washington is very clear and specific regarding car insurance. The law states that no one can operate a motorized vehicle without insurance. It offers a few uncommon alternatives to traditional insurance, such as self-insurance, a certificate of deposit, or a liability bond.
Drivers are required to present proof of their insurance after an accident, or else the police can assume they do not have insurance. This can complicate an already dicey situation, like being pulled over for speeding or being in an accident. Not having proof of insurance qualifies as a traffic citation and is subject to the same fines as a speeding ticket or other traffic infraction.
If you find that the other driver in your accident is without car insurance, do not feel as though you need to figure out an alternative for pursuing compensation from their insurance.
This is what a Seattle uninsured motorist lawyer is here for. The frustration of your situation ends when you contact an uninsured motorist accident attorney in Seattle, WA, and get us started on building your uninsured motorist lawsuit.
Seattle Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
The Differences When The Other Driver is Insured Vs. Uninsured
The amount of money and how that amount is determined can change depending on the other driver’s insurance status. Washington state laws § 46.29.090 and § 46.29.070 tell us the two different avenues the court can take to determine the amount of damages in a car accident. It helps to know the differences here when the defendant in your lawsuit is uninsured.
When an accident report is submitted, the state determines the amount of damages resulting from the accident. This is based on the information they have available to them, so making sure your damages and injuries are officially noted is important information in determining this amount. Once they figure out the amount, the at-fault party will be liable if the court judges it in your favor.
A similar law, exceptions as to requirement of security, says that the amount for the damages will not apply to any drivers who are properly insured. Instead, their insurance will pay based on the amounts in the driver’s policy.
These policies are required to have minimum limits of $25,000 for a single injured person or death, $50,000 for two or more injured or killed people, and $10,000 for property damage.
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How an Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney in Seattle Can Help You Recover Your Damages
Insurance is a much smoother and secure source of compensation in car accidents. Since some drivers get into accidents without insurance, it may take the work of a lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen to work out a way to get your money. This could come from a settlement or the result of a full trial.
Our goal is to make sure you get back to your normal life as quickly and painlessly as possible. In the case of dealing with an accident with an uninsured motorist, we may need to seek out a settlement in which they either pay you outright if they can afford it, or through a payment plan. Ideally, in a payment plan, the money still gets where it needs to go, and you get to move on with your life.
In rare cases, the uninsured driver can actually afford to pay for the damages outright. Since this is a direct path to your reward, we will want to jump on it.
Do not expect this, however, since a driver not being insured likely also means they do not have a lot of money available to make this kind of large payment.
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Your Trusted Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in Seattle
Your lawyer is ready to get involved in helping you get your life going again. Getting hit by an uninsured driver should not throw your life off course just because you do not know how you will pay for your injuries and property damage.
Let a Seattle uninsured motorist accident attorney with Siegfried & Jensen team up with you today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form