What Do I Do After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver in New Jersey?

Finding yourself in a car accident with an uninsured driver can be frustrating and unfamiliar. That is why it is important to know what to do in these situations. If you were involved in a car accident due to negligence, contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney today. 

What Do I Do After the Accident?

One of the most important things you can do after any accident is to remain calm. This gives you a clear mind to deal with the situation. After a car accident with an uninsured driver, the following steps can help the outcome of the incident:

  • Call the police. The police should always be called to make a report. If the driver is uninsured, this can assist in getting your expenses covered and make the claims process smoother.
  • Do not accept money from the other driver. If they do not have insurance, the driver may try to offer you money to avoid legal action. Even if it seems like a good deal, it is important to not accept.
  • Exchange information with the driver. Even though they do not have insurance, you should gather their contact information and vehicle details. 
  • Write down all important details. This can include the make and model of the vehicle, time and location of the accident, and the name/badge number of the responding officer. 
  • Take pictures of the scene. This can include all damages of both vehicles, license plates, traffic signs, and the direction the vehicles are facing. 

Insurance Claims Against Uninsured Drivers

When contacting your insurance company after the accident, you should clarify that you were hit by an uninsured driver. In addition to this, it is beneficial to keep the following in mind:

  • Have your insurance card out for your policy number
  • Provide the date, time, and location of the accident
  • Give a detailed report of how the accident happened, which is where your notes on the accident come in handy.
  • Usually, the claims representative asks for the other driver’s insurance information. At this time, you can provide them with the driver’s contact information.
  • Provide the name of the police department along with the report number

Filing a Lawsuit

The state of New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state. This means that providers will pay either some or all of the costs relating to any injuries or damages. This is done regardless of who caused the accident. However, it is important to know that no-fault states can make it hard to file a lawsuit against the other driver. There tend to be restrictions unless you suffered serious injuries or incurred medical bills over a designated amount. It is because of this that the best course of action is to report the incident with your insurance company and contact a car accident attorney to discuss your options. 

Contact our Firm

If you have been injured as a result of a defective product and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.