Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and frustrating situation even when the person who hit you is cooperative and has sufficient insurance. An extra level of frustration is added if the Colorado driver who struck you is uninsured or underinsured. If this has happened to you or a loved one, consider the following suggestions on how to proceed.
- Get all contact information and send it immediately to your insurance company.
- If the person admits they have no insurance or you are suspicious, let your insurance company know this information up front as well.
- Find out if your insurance company requires a written statement from an individual who admits to being uninsured.
- Never accept a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to your insurer first.
- Give your insurance company notice if you plan on filing a claim regarding the uninsured motorist.
From a financial standpoint, it is generally not a good idea to sue an uninsured motorist because they often have limited funds. Below is some other helpful information regarding accidents with uninsured drivers.
- Your insurance company will most likely cooperate unless they feel that you were at fault.
- Some insurance companies have strict guidelines as to how quickly you must file an uninsured motorist claim.
- If you and your insurance company cannot agree on an amount, you may have to take the case to an arbitrator (a more informal procedure than a lawsuit).
- Your uninsured benefits cannot exceed the amount of your primary coverage.
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist and you are not receiving proper cooperation from your insurance company, contact Colorado’s experienced car accident attorney Mack Babcock for a free consultation.
For more information about insurance for car accidents, read this article on our Legal Library: What if I’m in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Motorist in Colorado?
…as well as these blog posts from Colorado personal injury lawyer Mack Babcock:
