If you own or operate a motor vehicle, it is important to have some form of auto insurance. People who try to save money by driving without insurance often wind up facing legal penalties. If an uninsured driver causes an injury while behind the wheel, then he or she may face a lawsuit.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Alabama law requires that drivers have auto insurance for all registered vehicles. Unfortunately, there are still uninsured motorists on the road, and when they cause injuries, the victims often face an uphill legal battle to recover damages.
If you were injured in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Alabama, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Birmingham accident lawyer can determine if you may have grounds for a claim.
Here are two approaches for recovering damages after an injury from an uninsured driver:
Sue the Driver for Damages
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Alabama ranks seventh for the highest rate of uninsured drivers in the United States. In fact, 19.6 percent of drivers in Alabama were without insurance in 2012. If one of these drivers causes an accident, the victims may have no option but to sue him or her to recover damages.
Suing a driver who does not have insurance is legally complex process. Even if you win the case, the driver may not have the money to pay for your medical bills, time off work and other losses. You may be able to get a court order against the negligent driver to force him or her to pay you, but if the court determines that he or she does not have the financial means to do so, then you may have to pay for your losses out of your own pocket.
You may be able to initiate a payment plan with the at-fault party. He or she will then have to pay regular installments until covering the damages. It is important to establish whether the defendant has the financial means to pay for your damages. You can do this via an asset and credit check. You should consider hiring a car accident attorney to help you with this process.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
File an Uninsured Driver Claim
Uninsured motorist insurance may cover your losses after a crash with an uninsured driver. If you purchased this type of insurance prior to the accident, you may be able to claim the damages from your own insurance company. It is important to contact your insurance provider promptly if you believe the at-fault driver does not have insurance.
If you were in a crash with an uninsured motorist in Alabama, a Birmingham car accident attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC can evaluate your case, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a consultation.
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