If you have been involved in a car accident, the next steps typically follow a short procession. Both parties typically take photos and videos of the scene. One person calls a police officer, and those involved exchange insurance information. But what if the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance?
These cases are much more complex than average car accidents, so you must enlist the help of a skilled and knowledgeable uninsured motorcycle accident lawyer in Henderson on your side.
Uninsured Motorist Accidents Happen Every Day
Although being involved in an uninsured motorist accident may seem unlikely since most states require drivers to have car insurance, thousands of drivers take to the streets every day without proper insurance. If they run into your car, you get roped into a complicated situation by default.
Unfortunately, this can force your insurance company to pay for all the damages, which is why it’s always helpful to have uninsured motorist coverage built into your car insurance policy.
Some states require this to be bundled in or offered to clients, but Nevada law does not require that motorists have it in their plan.
Even though uninsured motorist insurance is the best way to protect yourself in these situations, some accidents can produce enough damage to where even one driver’s uninsured motorist coverage won’t be sufficient to cover the costs. This is especially true if the accident involves severe injuries and long-term hospital stays.
What if Your Insurance Policy Doesn’t Cover Everything?
In Nevada, the state minimums for coverage were increased in 2018, requiring drivers to have at least $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 total bodily injury per incident, and at least $20,000 for property damage per accident. If two or more people are involved in an accident involving injuries, these coverage minimums can be used quickly.
If your insurance doesn’t cover all the accidents’ damages, you and the guilty party may be stuck paying for some damages out of pocket. This is why it’s essential to review your insurance policy every once in a while to ensure that you have adequate coverage. Insurance companies should offer additional collision coverage, which can cover car repairs after an accident, but that can’t help in the case of injuries and healthcare.
An Attorney Can Negotiate with the Insurance Company on Your Behalf
Getting in touch with a car accident lawyer right away is one of the best things you can do for yourself. They can negotiate with your car insurance company to lower the costs you may incur due to being involved in an uninsured motorist accident. They can also provide sound legal advice about handling certain situations to build a strong case for you if you can sue the at-fault party.
Some drivers without insurance may offer you money immediately to encourage you not to press charges, but don’t accept any money even if it seems like a good deal. There is no way to know how much damage has occurred from the accident, and accepting money from the other person can make an already complicated situation downright messy.
What if the Other Party Can’t Pay?
About 13% of drivers are uninsured. Uninsured motorists usually cannot pay out of pocket to cover damages and medical expenses. It is important to purchase supplemental coverage that would assist you in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. If you have purchased this coverage, you will be compensated for your losses and injury.
The Statutes of Limitations in Nevada
Although it can be difficult to build a legal case against an uninsured driver, your Henderson uninsured motorcycle accident lawyer may deem it a worthwhile endeavor, especially if you sustained severe injuries from the accident. In Nevada, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, so you must press charges quickly if you have a viable case on your hands.
Two years may seem like plenty of time to decide whether you want to pursue a lawsuit, but paperwork can take a long time to get filed properly. It’s in your best interest to take action as soon as possible.
Hiring a Knowledgeable Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in Henderson
The days and weeks following an accident, especially involving uninsured people, can be challenging, and most people don’t know who to turn to for help. You don’t have to face all these issues on your own when you get connected to a trustworthy and experienced lawyer, but finding a lawyer, you feel comfortable with can be challenging. Luckily, the Pacific West Injury Law law team has decades of combined experience and has helped hundreds of people handle various legal challenges.
Reviewing Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
After you contact us for assistance with your claim, we will review all the accident details to build a solid case in your favor. You must provide as much documentation and photo/video evidence as possible, as one missing piece could throw your case out the window. For this reason, it’s helpful to document as much as possible immediately after the accident and ensure that the police report filed for the accident is accurate and captures all the details.
Fighting for Fair Compensation on Your Behalf
Once we have gathered all the relevant evidence and constructed a comprehensive case, we will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve. It may be tempting for those involved in an accident to take the first settlement or reduced damages offer an insurance company makes, but avoid taking action without first speaking to your lawyer.
Get in Touch with a Henderson Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, getting the help of a trusted lawyer can be one of the best decisions you have ever made. These cases can quickly become confusing, but a skilled attorney with extensive knowledge of state laws can make all the difference in the outcome.
We handle cases in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas. Please contact the team at Pacific West Injury Law today.
