How To Sue a Driver Who Is Uninsured (2023)
Knowing how to sue someone with no car insurance is the first step to recovering your losses in the event you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver. Read on to learn about how the process works.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Basic auto insurance may not cover damages caused by an uninsured driver
- Uninsured motorist coverage is usually an add-on you can purchase with your auto insurance policy
- If your policy doesn’t include uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll need to sue for damages, but the results may be less than satisfactory
Even though you may pride yourself on being a responsible driver, accidents happen, and the devastating results can be further compounded if the other party is an uninsured driver. The number of drivers who don’t have auto insurance is pretty high, but most auto insurance policies do not cover damages by an uninsured motorist, and it’s considered an add-on.
If your policy doesn’t protect you, your only option may be to hire a lawyer and sue the driver who is at fault. Read on to learn more about how to sue someone with no car insurance.
Suing a Driver Who Has No Auto Insurance
Knowing how to sue someone without car insurance is crucial if you want to increase your chances of winning the case and being awarded a fair settlement for an auto accident.
Depending on the finances of the driver, you may not end up getting enough money to cover all your losses, so hiring an accident lawyer to investigate may help you decide whether or not to sue. Often, the best course of action is to make sure your policy covers you for unforeseen events like an accident with an uninsured driver in the first place.
How to Sue an Uninsured Driver
The first step in deciding whether you can sue someone without auto insurance is to find out if they are in a financial position to pay out. After all, if someone can’t buy insurance, they may not be able to pay damages either.
To establish whether it’s feasible or not and initiate the lawsuit, you’ll need to:
- Hire an accident lawyer
- Run a credit and financial check on the driver
- Put a lien on any assets that might be liquidated to pay a court settlement
Even if a driver claims to have nothing or files for bankruptcy, your lawyer can help you take steps to recover your expenses in the future should there ever be an opportunity.
The steps you take as soon as an accident occurs significantly impact the results if you need to sue an uninsured driver. The details can be necessary during the case.
Immediately After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
These steps are important to do immediately when an accident occurs, but especially if the other driver does not have auto insurance or their insurance has lapsed:
- Call the police. The police report will be an essential piece of evidence if you need to sue the other driver. Although you can file an auto insurance claim without a police report, it’s best to get this important document.
- Get the necessary information. Get the driver’s details, and if they previously had insurance, but it has lapsed or expired, get the contact information for their auto insurance company so that you can communicate with the company.
- Take clear pictures and detailed notes. Pictures are often key indicators of who was at fault, and good notes help you recall details you might forget by the time the case goes to court.
- Speak to eyewitnesses. Eyewitness accounts are also helpful in establishing which driver was at fault.
Be sure to ask for any eyewitnesses’ contact information. It might even be helpful to record their statement if they are willing. This is an important step, especially when you’re trying to make a car insurance claim when not at fault for an accident.
Further Steps to Take When in an Accident With a Driver With No Insurance
After the initial shock of the accident is over, you’ll need to take steps to care for yourself and start the process of recovering your expenses:
- Seek medical attention. After an accident, when your system is flooded with adrenaline, you may be unaware of any physical damage you sustained. Even if you’re feeling all right at first, get checked out by a doctor and keep a record of the results.
- Contact your insurance company. Inform your insurance company of the accident details, even if you’re not at fault. Find out if your policy covers any damages in an accident with an uninsured driver.
- Contact their insurance company (if they have one). If the uninsured driver has an insurance provider, contact it as well.
Do not, however, give a statement to any insurance company unless your lawyer is present.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Other Options if You’re in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
A basic auto insurance policy may not cover damages in an accident where an uninsured driver is at fault. But you can purchase coverage for situations like that as an add-on to your policy. Keep in mind that the amount of coverage varies, so talk to your insurance provider to determine how much coverage you’ll get.
Extensive damage to your vehicle, long-term medical expenses, and other payments can quickly drain your available coverage. So ask about options available to make sure you’re completely protected.
Final Thoughts on How To Sue a Driver With No Insurance
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, make sure to take steps to prove the other driver is at fault so you can sue them. Hire an accident lawyer if a lawsuit is the best option. It’s always better to be covered, so talk to your insurance provider about uninsured motorist coverage.
Shop around for car insurance to make sure you and your family are protected from drivers who take to the road without insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver?
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, there are several steps you can take:
- Gather information: Collect as much information as possible about the accident, including the other driver’s license plate number, contact details, and any relevant details about the incident.
- Contact the police: Report the accident to the police, providing them with all the necessary details and any evidence you have.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident, even if the other driver is uninsured. They can guide you on the next steps and potential coverage options.
- Consult an attorney: It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in uninsured motorist claims. They can provide legal advice and guide you through the process of suing an uninsured driver.
Can I sue an uninsured driver for damages?
Yes, you can sue an uninsured driver for damages resulting from an accident. However, it’s important to consider that even if you win a lawsuit, the uninsured driver may not have the means to pay the damages awarded by the court. It’s recommended to consult with an attorney to assess the feasibility of pursuing legal action.
What are my options if the uninsured driver cannot afford to pay the damages?
If the uninsured driver cannot afford to pay the damages, it can be challenging to recover the full amount. However, there are a few potential options you can explore:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, it may cover some or all of the damages. Consult your insurance provider to understand the specific terms and conditions.
- Personal assets: If the uninsured driver has personal assets, you may be able to pursue a judgment against those assets to recover the damages. This typically involves a legal process and can vary based on local laws and regulations.
- Installment payments: If the uninsured driver cannot pay the full amount upfront, you can explore the possibility of setting up a payment plan, allowing them to make regular installment payments until the debt is repaid.
Are there any alternatives to suing an uninsured driver?
Yes, there are alternatives to suing an uninsured driver. Depending on your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the accident, you may have the following options:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it can help cover your damages, medical expenses, and other losses resulting from the accident.
- Mediation or arbitration: Instead of going through the court system, you can explore mediation or arbitration. These alternative dispute resolution methods involve a neutral third party helping you and the uninsured driver reach a settlement.
- Small claims court: If the damages are within the limits of your local small claims court, you can file a claim against the uninsured driver without the need for an attorney. Small claims court is designed to handle relatively minor disputes.
Can I file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver for personal injuries?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver for personal injuries you have sustained in an accident. However, it’s important to consider that even if you win the lawsuit and are awarded damages, the uninsured driver may not have the financial resources to pay. Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling uninsured motorist cases will help you understand the potential outcomes and options available to you.
What is uninsured motorist coverage, and how does it work?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance coverage that can be added to your auto insurance policy. It provides protection in the event you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company may step in to cover your damages, medical expenses, and other losses up to the limits specified in your policy. The specific terms and conditions of uninsured motorist coverage can vary, so it’s advisable to review your policy and consult your insurance provider for detailed information.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.