When another driver’s negligence on the roadways in Indiana results in that driver hitting your car, you may take some comfort in knowing that the other driver’s insurance will pay for your vehicle’s damage and your injuries.
Unfortunately, you cannot be certain that the other driver has the level of insurance he or she needs to cover your losses properly. In fact, you cannot be sure the other driver has any insurance at all, even though Indiana requires all drivers to be insured to operate a motor vehicle, per the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
From an article published by the Insurance Journal, the Hanover Insurance Group and the Insurance Research Council report that 13% of American motorists drove without insurance in 2015. If this type of driver has struck your car, an Indianapolis uninsured motorist lawyer with Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can defend your right to receive a fair settlement. Contact us at (317) 636-7777 for a free review of your case as soon as possible.
Uninsured Motorists in Indianapolis
When someone drives on the roads of Indiana without a valid auto insurance policy, he or she is an uninsured motorist.
Some people choose to drive without insurance because they just do not want to spend the money on insurance. Others have accumulated numerous traffic violations that mean an auto insurance company will not sell them a policy they can afford or even sell them a policy at all.
Someone without insurance should choose not to drive. However, this does not always occur, as some people feel they must drive, regardless of whether they have insurance.
Determining if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured
Unfortunately, you cannot know for certain if the other driver does not have insurance, but there are a few clues you can use.
Some people without insurance may choose to flee from the scene, leaving you with no means of tracking down them down. Should you suffer a hit and run accident, your auto insurer should treat the accident the same way it would if the driver who hit you did have insurance.
Other times, the uninsured driver may ask you not to call police after a significant crash, saying that the two of you can work things out on your own. Never agree to this. Even if you seem uninjured in the aftermath of the crash, you could have injuries that appear later. Without a police report, the other driver could have given you a fake phone number and name, leaving you unable to find him or her.
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured motorist accidents lawyer serving Indianapolis, call 317-636-7777
Protection From Uninsured Motorists
The Indiana legislature has foreseen the possibility of uninsured motorists causing accidents, and legislators have taken steps to protect drivers who suffer injuries in these accidents.
From the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI), every driver’s auto insurance policy must include a provision that provides coverage against uninsured motorists with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per injured person or $50,000 for injury costs per accident (if there were multiple people injured in your car).
Should an uninsured driver hit your car and cause property damage and injuries to you, this uninsured motorist provision will pay for your medical care and other damages up to the limits. Normally, the insurance company for the other driver that was at fault for the accident would pay these items. In a case involving an uninsured motorist, your auto insurance company will pay your damages.
Receiving a Fair Settlement
Even though it seems like your auto insurance company should have your interests in mind after an uninsured motorist hits you, this does not always happen. Sometimes, your insurer will doubt the nature of your injuries or will dispute your version of how the accident occurred.
Your insurance company may refuse to come to a fair settlement that truly reflects your injuries and long term prognosis. If this occurs, hiring an Indianapolis uninsured motorist lawyer may help you convince the insurance company that you deserve a higher settlement amount. Call the team at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. at (317) 636-7777 as soon as possible for a review of your case for free.
Indianapolis Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Near Me 317-636-7777
Damages You Could Recover After a Crash
When seeking a settlement from your auto insurer after the uninsured motorist hit your car, you have the right to seek reimbursement for quite a few types of injuries. The costs for your medical care can add up quickly, so you may want to carry more than the minimum amount of liability coverage with your uninsured motorist coverage. Some of these medical costs include:
- Transfer to the hospital in an ambulance
- Emergency room examination costs
- Doctor visit costs
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescription medication costs
- Medical equipment costs
- Costs of therapy
- Costs of hospital or long term care facility stays
- Reimbursement of lost wages while you recover
- Costs of hiring someone to help you with chores after you return home
Costs for items other than what we have listed here also could be reimbursed in a case like this.
Long Term Diagnosis
Beyond the medical costs you have in the days and weeks after the crash, you could be facing a poor long term diagnosis. You may have permanent disabilities, or you may not be able to work in the future.
We will attempt to help you receive additional awards for these long term changes to your quality of life.
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We Are Ready To Represent Your Interests Versus the Insurance Company
After this type of accident, the insurance company may contact you, offering a settlement amount. However, you may believe your injuries are more serious than the insurer thinks, and you may believe you deserve a larger settlement amount.
You do not have to accept the first settlement offer you receive. You have the right to negotiate. With the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. on your side, you will have an ally against the insurer.
As a trusted Indianapolis uninsured motorist lawyer, we will be ready to use the facts in the case to show that the insurance company’s offer is inadequate. Should the insurer fail to reach a fair settlement amount, we will be ready to stand by your side in a court case. Call us today at (317) 636-7777 for a free consultation.
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