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Steps to Take After Getting into an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

Feb 28, 2019

Auto

Steps to Take After Getting into an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

What to do after an accident with an uninsured motorist.

It's no secret that dealing with an auto accident is a hassle and finding out that the other driver doesn't have insurance only makes things worse. Luckily, if you have the right auto insurance in Lancaster, California, then you have the peace of mind of knowing that you are covered. In addition to securing the right insurance, there are other things that you should do to handle the accident.

Here are some of the steps that you should take after being involved in a collision with an uninsured motorist.

Do Not Accept Money

Oftentimes, uninsured drivers will offer you money in an attempt to persuade you from reporting the accident from your insurer. However, there are several reasons why you should not accept this proposition. To start, accepting this money would mean that you are accepting a bribe. If your insurer found out about this exchange, then this would be considered insurance fraud and they might subsequently revoke your coverage. Additionally, there's no guarantee that the money they offer you will even be enough to cover your car's repairs. By choosing to accept their illicit deal, you might actually be short-changing yourself.

Contact the Police

While you should always contact the police after a collision event, you should be especially careful to do so if the other driver does not have insurance. Having the police on the scene will hold the other driver accountable and ensure that they do not attempt to change their story later on. Additionally, having a police presence will also help keep you safe. An uninsured driver might attempt to flee the scene of the accident or act aggressively toward you, so having the police there will ensure that the situation stays under control.

Document Damages

As with any other accident, it's important that you document the extent of your car's damages. Make sure you snap some pictures of your car, the other involved vehicles, and the scene of the accident. Along with the police report, your insurer will use these pictures during the claims process. Having this evidence will expedite things and ensure that you receive the coverage you need to handle your repairs.

These are some of the things that you need to take care of after an accident with an uninsured driver. Remember, the best way to protect yourself in this situation is by having the right auto insurance in Lancaster, California. Looking for the right policies to meet your needs? Then contact the experts at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.