Despite the fact that it’s illegal in the state of Colorado to operate a motor vehicle without insurance, many people take the risk. They assume they’ll never get caught, so they drive without insurance as a means of saving money.
If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages.
The first thing you should do is review your car insurance policy. This will lead you to make a claim under the uninsured motorist provision of your policy, as it’s designed for situations in which the at-fault party does not have coverage.
Here are some things you need to remember during your review:
- You need to show your insurer proof that the person responsible for the accident does not have insurance.
- In some ways, your insurance company now becomes your adversary, as they are basically representing the person who caused the crash.
- You may also have underinsured coverage designed to protect you if the at-fault party only carries the state minimum liability coverage.
All of these points are complicated, as you’re dealing directly with an insurance company that not only has more experience and knowledge, but doesn’t typically have your best interests in mind.
Even if you plan on negotiating directly with your insurance company, you don’t want to do so until you review the terms and conditions of your policy and learn more about your legal rights and state laws.
It often makes sense to consult with a personal injury attorney, as they can review your case to help you better understand your situation and how to proceed.
Although it appears to be a tall task on the surface, you may be able to settle your case without the assistance of an attorney. If you’re interested in going down this path, download our book “Get It Settled Without A Lawyer.”
With this guide in hand, you’ll better understand the steps you can take to settle your case without missing out on any compensation that’s owed to you.