West Palm Beach Uninsured Motorist Accident Resources
What To Do After an Uninsured Driver Hits You
There are critical steps to take after an accident with an uninsured driver in West Palm Beach:
Call the Police
In Florida, drivers must report an accident immediately but are only legally required to do so if someone is injured or killed or if there is $500 or more in property damage. Regardless, it is always a good idea to call the police after an accident, especially when the other party doesn’t have insurance. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, you will have the police report stating that fact in their report, which will help make the claims process smoother for you.
Seek Medical Care
Emergency responders will arrive on the scene and provide treatment or transport you to the hospital if necessary. On the other hand, if your injuries aren’t severe and you remain at the scen, be sure to see a physician as soon as possible. Keep in mind Florida’s insurance law that states you have a maximum of 14 days to seek treatment after an accident to receive PIP coverage, but the sooner, the better for your health and a potential lawsuit.
Exchange Information
You will need the uninsured driver’s contact information for insurance purposes, and in case you pursue a lawsuit against them. If you are immediately taken to the hospital, the police report will contain their information. If there are any eyewitnesses, ask how to contact them as well. Their statements can be very beneficial when filing your insurance claim or a lawsuit against the driver.
Go Through Your Insurance
The other driver could face hefty fines and fees for not having insurance, so they may try to offer you money in order to avoid these penalties. Accepting money upfront can be tempting but may wind up costing you more in the end, especially if your injuries are severe or have long-term repercussions. Therefore, it is always best to protect yourself by going through the insurance claims process.
Gather Details
Write down the make and model of the vehicle involved, time and location of the accident, the direction you were traveling, weather conditions, what happened right before the accident, traffic and road conditions at the time, and the name and badge number of the responding officer. Take pictures or videos of the scene, including the damage done to the vehicles, their final resting positions after impact, the other driver’s license plate, any traffic signs, debris, and of your injuries.
Notify Your Insurer
File a claim as soon as possible. Insurers require notification of a “reportable accident” within one to two days, or they may deny coverage.
