Accidents with Uninsured Drivers

Accidents with uninsured drivers cost the American public around $28,000,000,000 per year.  Approximately 13% of all auto accidents are caused by uninsured motorists.  You may be wondering what happens if one of these uninsured drivers hits you.  Who will pay your medical bills?  Who will pay to fix your car?  You will, unless you have the right insurance.

Make Sure you Have the Right Insurance Coverage

More than 50% of people driving on the road today have the minimum insurance required by law.  Many don’t have insurance at all. Around 23% of drivers are on the road without insurance.  That number is increasing.  How do you protect yourself from uninsured drivers?  Defensive driving isn’t enough.  So, what do you do?

Make sure you have enough insurance coverage before you have an accident.  To avoid going broke after being hit by an uninsured driver, you should consider purchasing:

• Gap Insurance – If you have a car loan, you might owe more than the car is worth. If this is the case and your car is totaled in an accident, gap insurance will pay the difference between what you owe and the amount you get from the insurance company.  If you have gap insurance, be sure to cancel it after the car is paid off.  The insurance company will happily keep taking your money.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP coverage can be used to pay for lost wages and medical bills. This coverage is no questions asked and regardless of fault.  All you should do is send in proof of loss, i.e. a medical bill. Typically, this isn’t a lot of coverage.  One trip to the emergency room can eat up all your PIP money.  Keep this in mind when you are purchasing coverage.  Your insurance company cannot ask for PIP payments back.  If you receive a settlement, either from the other driver or your insurance, this money is yours.
• Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay) – This coverage can be used to pay for medical bills and prescription drug coverage. If you use MedPay, your insurance company will want this money back. If you receive a settlement, your insurance company will make you pay this money back out of your recovery.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) – This will cover you if the person who hits you doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.

Should I use My Health Insurance for Medical Care?

Many people wonder if they should use their health insurance for their medical care.  I hear from a lot of people that they don’t think their insurance should pay when it is someone else’s fault.  That’s true!  But, if you don’t use your health insurance, are you ready to pay cash?  Many drivers ignore their responsibility to carry insurance.  When they do, you could be left holding the bag.  Getting the medical care you need should be your priority.

If there is a settlement, your health insurance carrier can be paid back.  An experienced personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure that everyone gets their fair share.

Buy Enough Insurance Before an Accident, Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After

Make sure to discuss the coverage you need if you are hit by an uninsured driver.  Insurance companies may be reluctant to sell you PIP and UM/UIM coverage.  Insist on it!  This coverage may cost you $5 to $10 per month, but it can save you thousands.  If you are involved in a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.  Contact Mynor E. Rodriguez today.