Making the Driver Pay When Insurance Won't
Those hurt in a car accident can usually expect the at-fault driver's insurance carrier to cooperate and pay you what you need. In most cases, that means medical bills and the repair bills for your wrecked vehicle. Unfortunately, some drivers don't carry enough insurance or any at all. Read on to find out what might happen when insurance fails.
Uninsured Motorists and Unpaid Damages
Drivers are required to be insured in all states but some pay extra on their own policies to cover this issue when they get involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. In most cases, your basic needs will be covered by your own policy if the other driver is uninsured. Unfortunately, that only takes care of part of the problem. Even when the other driver is insured you can suffer from the financial effects of an accident.
Most insurers won't cover things like lost wages and none of them cover pain and suffering. These two categories of damages can mean thousands of dollars in compensation that can only be had by taking legal action against the driver.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer
This complicated area of "who pays for what" can be best dealt with through auto accident attorney services. They can make insurers aware of your damages and demand payment for unpaid expenses like lost wages and more. In addition, however, accident victims may take direct action against the other driver. If the driver or the insurer fails to pay what is owed, you can take them to court. Just the threat of going to court might be enough to force payment. If the driver has no insurance, they must have other means to pay you what is owed.
Personal Wealth and Assets
Many people have assets that can be used to pay a court judgment. Part of preparing a personal injury case is to survey the driver's personal wealth, income, and assets available. Unfortunately, drivers that are not insured or have too little insurance and that are indigent are not good candidates for a lawsuit. If they work, however, their wages can be garnished to pay off the court judgment. If they have savings accounts, those accounts can be frozen during the trial and later provided to you after you win in court. If they own real estate, liens can be placed.
Don't let the fact that the other driver had inadequate insurance deter you. The driver may hold assets you can seize to help you pay for your losses. Speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out more.