While no motor vehicle accident can be described as fortuitous, a silver lining is that liability insurance may help pay for damages suffered by any victims. Indeed, the state of Iowa mandates that drivers carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to help pay for damages to vehicle and person when a driver causes an accident.
Unfortunately, while Iowa law obligates all drivers to purchase liability insurance, many drivers fail to obtain coverage. When uninsured drivers cause accidents, victims who suffer injuries may have questions about whether or not they can seek compensation for their injuries and what sources of insurance coverage are available. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you need to do the following:
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Report Your Accident
Promptly report the accident to the local police department to document a written record.
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Obtain the At-Fault Driver’s Information
Even if the at-fault driver does not have liability insurance, you still want to obtain all of the following information: name, contact information, address, and vehicle information. Although you will not be able to file a claim against the driver’s insurance, you may be able to file a suit directly against the uninsured driver.
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Notify Your Own Insurance Company
While at-fault drivers are liable for for the damages they cause, if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may need to turn to your own insurance company for potential coverage. As such, it is essential to notify your own insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
Now is also a great time to review your insurance policy. Do you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage? If so, this type of coverage may pay for your losses in the event the at-fault driver does not carry liability insurance.
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Hire a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer
Do not rely on your own insurance company to offer you a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses after an accident with an uninsured driver. Insurance companies are selfishly interested in one thing: saving money.
When you work with a skilled personal injury attorney in Council Bluffs who has experience managing uninsured motorist cases, you improve your chance of recovering compensation for your injuries. Your attorney will explore all sources of available compensation, weigh the option of filing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault party, and help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Call Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP Today
At Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP, our Council Bluffs car accident lawyers are available to advocate for you. We understand how unsettling an accident with an uninsured motorist can be, and we can provide some comfort and peace of mind.
For your free consultation, please call our law office today or send us a message about your situation.