What Happens If I Get Into a Car Accident and Don’t Have Insurance?

Car accidents make things complicated, but a couple of factors can make the situation even more complex. These factors are the location of the accident and which driver was at fault for the accident. Every driver must have insurance. Most states have penalties for driving without insurance, let alone getting into an accident without insurance.

On top of facing fines, license revocation, or jail time for driving without insurance, certain circumstances can cause the situation to move from inconvenient to unbearable. We will go over the three most common situations that occur when dealing with auto accidents:

• When you are at fault
• When the other driver is at fault
• When you are driving in a no-fault state

Understanding these key points can help you navigate difficult situations and ensure that you protect yourself.

What to Do If You Are at Fault in an Accident

If authorities determine that you were the leading contributor to an accident, you will not only incur fines and damages for driving uninsured, but you will also be required to pay for the damages that you created.

Depending on what kind of car you damaged and what part of the car you damaged, the costs to you can be incredibly expensive. Newer cars and trucks regularly sell for $30,000 to $70,000. Most automotive repair shops charge $80 to $130 an hour for labor. In the worst-case scenario, you total your car, total the other car, and cause bodily harm to the other driver. In this situation, you would be responsible for all of those damages.

On top of medical expenses, the other driver can also sue you for personal damages. You will incur legal fees when you participate in a lawsuit. If you do not have the money to pay all of these fees, courts will usually issue wage garnishments or automatic monthly payments to collect the funds.

As you can see, driving without insurance can be costly, especially if you are the one at fault. Sometimes, it only takes one bad night of sleep for you to lose focus while driving and be at fault for an accident.

What to Do If the Other Driver Is at Fault for Your Accident

If the other driver is at fault, the authorities will check to see if you have valid insurance. If you do not have valid insurance, they may limit how much money you can recover from the at-fault driver. The system becomes a little more complicated when the at-fault driver is undocumented. If they are undocumented, they are difficult to track down and hold responsible. If you live in an area known for accidents, adding personal protection to your insurance may be a good idea. If the at-fault driver is documented and has valid insurance, you simply contact the at-fault driver’s insurance agency to make a claim.

What to Do With Accidents in a No-Fault State

A no-fault state requires its drivers to carry a certain amount of personal protection coverage in their auto insurance (usually $10,000), and drivers must file a claim to receive payments for damages. However, uninsured drivers are not off the hook in no-fault states. There are twelve no-fault states:

• Florida
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Utah

If you are found without insurance while driving, additional fees and penalties apply for not having the personal protection required in a no-fault state.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Fighter Law Today for Help after a Car Accident 

Being involved in a car accident is already stressful. Help reduce some of your burden by letting a team of experienced professionals handle your case. The talented attorneys at Fighter Law are ready to help you. If you have been involved in an accident, we may be able to win you the compensation you deserve from a car accident. For a free consultation, call Fighter Law at (407) 344-4837 or fill out our contact form.

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