Data from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) shows that in 2019, 12.6% of motorists were uninsured. In 2022, that figure had risen to 14%. The number of drivers on the roads without auto insurance varies from state to state, with 19 states recording figures greater than the national average. The District of Columbia had the highest number of uninsured drivers at 25.2%, and Wyoming had the lowest at 5.9%.
According to Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers, a highly recognized car accident law firm in Oklahoma City, getting into an accident while driving uninsured can lead to big problems. Driving without valid car insurance is illegal in most states, so if you cause an auto accident while uninsured, you could face severe legal and financial consequences.
If you’re uninsured and get into a car accident, the other driver will likely file a claim against you to pay for their vehicle repairs and medical bills. Without insurance, you’ll have to cover these costs out of pocket. This can amount to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the car accident.
In addition, you may face license suspension, fines, and fees for driving uninsured. Some states will revoke your license immediately if you’re caught driving without insurance after an accident. The penalties for driving uninsured typically range from $500 to $1000 for a first offense. If you can’t pay these fines, your license suspension will be longer.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Can Help Limit the Damage
After an uninsured car accident, it’s wise to consult with an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. While a car accident lawyer can’t make your lack of insurance coverage disappear, they can help limit the penalties you may face.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney will look for ways to dispute or reduce any claims against you after the accident. They may be able to argue that the other driver was partially at fault, which could lower your financial liability.
An auto accident attorney can also negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. They may be able to work out a payment plan for accident costs rather than forcing you to pay the entire amount upfront.
In addition, car accident attorneys can provide strong legal counsel to help reduce fines and fees for driving without insurance. In some cases, they may even be able to plead with the court to restore your driving privileges.
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help After an Uninsured Car Accident
It’s crucial to promptly engage a car accident lawyer after an uninsured accident. The sooner you get legal help, the better. Insurance companies tend to be eager to settle claims quickly after accidents. An auto accident lawyer can advise you not to accept an early settlement that may not adequately cover your financial liability for injuries or damages.
In addition, statutes of limitations dictate how long you have to take legal action after an accident. If you wait too long to work with a car accident attorney, you may lose your window to file a claim or lawsuit against the other driver. This can leave you shouldering all the accident costs.
Consult With an Experienced Local Car Accident Lawyer
While driving uninsured was unwise, don’t compound the situation by trying to handle the legal and financial aftermath alone. Consult an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights and limit the penalties. With legal guidance, you can hopefully put the accident behind you and move forward.
