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Driving uninsured is a terrible idea, as most states in America require to have some sort of auto insurance to be safe while driving. However, if an uninsured driver gets in an accident, they must know how to deal with it without facing hard penalties.
In a situation like this, the best thing to do is call a traffic attorney. Still, drivers must be aware of the consequences that their actions can have, and these are going to depend on the severity of the accident and the state laws.
What to Do After an Accident Without Liability Insurance
If an uninsured driver gets in an accident, they mustn't make the huge mistake of running away. Driving without insurance has terrible consequences, but running away from the scene can even make the at-fault driver face criminal charges. Therefore, they must remain calm and follow these steps:
The first thing that needs to be done is alert the required authorities, such as the police station and medical services.
Both parties should exchange contact information.
Remaining quiet is the way to go, as the other party may be recording what's being said.
The driver should ask witnesses for their contact information.
They should also document as much as they can through pictures and video.
Although the uninsured driver may face penalties, they still need to prove they're not at fault for the accident. In order to do this, they're going to need a lawyer and substantial evidence to back their case.
In States that Require Car Insurance
If the driver lives in a state that demands car insurance to be able to drive, they're going to be facing terrible consequences if they get caught driving, even if they don't get in an accident. Some of these penalties are:
License suspension and revocation
Jail time
Several fines
The At-fault Party
When the at-fault party is the one without auto insurance coverage, they automatically have the entire financial responsibility for the damages caused by the accident and any other legal fees. If they can't pay for the financial compensation, the court may establish something called wage garnishment, in which they must pay the other driver out of their monthly paycheck.
This could cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, which is much more than simply hiring an insurance company.
The Not-at-fault Party
On the other hand, the not-at-fault driver may still face legal penalties for not being insured, and the state may prevent them from receiving full financial compensation for the accident claim. However, with the right lawyer, they may still be able to get some money out of the settlement.
In States that Don't Require Car Insurance
Although in most American states, everyone must have liability insurance to be allowed to drive, there are two states in which drivers can choose not to hire an insurance company. These states are New Hampshire and Virginia, but they still have to pay a $500 fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia.
However, this doesn't mean that there are no consequences for causing accidents.
The At-fault Party
If the at-fault driver doesn't have auto liability insurance, they must pay for all the damages and injuries they caused. Otherwise, they may face legal repercussions, and in that case, they may have to also pay for legal fees and representation in court.
Moreover, even after paying the financial compensation, they may face other consequences, such as getting their driver's license removed or suspended.
The Not-at-fault Party
The not-at-fault driver has the right to seek compensation if they live in a no-fault state. Therefore, the other driver's insurance company must pay for all the damages they caused, and the not-at-fault driver can even file a lawsuit and take them to court.
However, they must be aware of their state's statute of limitation, as the claim must be filed within this time range, or they may miss the opportunity to get compensation.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance
If a driver doesn't have car insurance, the state may penalize them for it. Some states impose fines that can reach up to thousands of dollars, and the local DMV is most likely to suspend their driver's license for a few months.
Moreover, some of the most common penalties are the following:
The revocation of their license for up to a year
Paying a fine of around $1,500
A civil penalty fee of $750 for license restoration
Getting Help after a Car Accident
In most cases, uninsured drivers get in accidents with drivers who have their own insurance company, and these companies are known for trying to save as much money as possible. Therefore, they may blame the other driver, even if their clients were at fault. Trying to fight this claim without a car accident lawyer may be an uphill battle, which is why it is crucial to find a trustworthy law firm with experienced St Louis vehicle accident attorneys who can help take care of the following aspects of the case:
Doing the investigation
Gathering evidence
Talking with witnesses
Doing the paperwork
Filing the claim
Keeping their client informed
Negotiating with the other party
Taking the case to court
Contact Us
Whether the accident happens in a no-fault state or not, no one likes getting into a car accident. These situations involve spending considerable money on medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees, so being insured would take a massive weight off the driver's shoulders. On an additional note, you can read about whether or not someone can sue you for a car accident if you have insurance.
Still, once the accident happens, the not-at-fault party deserves to get compensated, even if they weren't insured. A fantastic way to do this is by calling the Powell Law Firm, the best law firm in Missouri with incredible lawyers who ensure an excellent attorney-client relationship and a high-quality service.
Getting a free case evaluation is as easy as calling the number at the bottom of this page. Everyone needs a trustworthy lawyer who can help them get through difficult times, and this is the perfect opportunity to find one.