After a fender bender, it’s customary to exchange insurance information with the other motorist. Depending on whether they live in a no-fault or at-fault state, drivers can then file a claim with their own insurance or the other driver’s provider. What happens if an uninsured driver hits you in Colorado?
Learn how uninsured motorist coverage may impact your compensation claim and what to do after an accident. Below, our attorneys explain what you need to know about this situation.
Start by Reviewing Your Insurance Policy
Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who causes an accident is liable for any property damage or injuries a victim sustains. When it comes to car accidents, a driver’s car insurance typically takes care of these claims.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t carry insurance? This is a common concern for Colorado drivers. In fact, the Centennial State has one of the nation’s highest rates of uninsured drivers at 17.5%, according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, compensation isn’t out of the question for accident victims.
Contact your insurer to review your policy. You may have uninsured motorist coverage that could help cover the cost of your claim. Some drivers add personal injury protection coverage to their policy if the state doesn’t require it. This may also help cover some of their medical costs or vehicle repairs after an accident.
What Happens If an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Hits You?
Imagine someone without auto insurance rear-ends you. The accident causes you whiplash symptoms and anxiety about driving, plus extensive damage to your car’s back end. What happens if an uninsured driver hits you in Colorado?
If you’re unable to file a claim with your insurer, you could consult an attorney. Injured pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists could pursue legal action against negligent drivers who hit them.
Suing the at-fault driver could help establish car accident liability. However, they may be unlikely to pay for damages without insurance. Speak to a personal injury lawyer about your options to make an informed decision.
Adjust Your Insurance Coverage If Necessary
Some motorists end up footing the bill for their accident if the at-fault driver doesn’t carry insurance. This unfortunate scenario may cause them to re-evaluate their coverage and adjust their policy. To protect themselves in the future, they may add uninsured motorist or PIP coverage to their insurance policy.
Having this coverage may serve as a financial safety net if they collide with another underinsured driver. After making these adjustments, policyholders may receive a different answer to the question, “What happens if an uninsured driver hits you in Colorado?”
Rather than their policy not covering all or any of the costs, they may be able to receive a check due to uninsured motorist coverage. Potential compensation could go toward:
- The claimant’s medical costs
- Repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle
- Replacing a portion of the claimant’s lost wages if their injury keeps them from working
Some claimants also receive funds for their pain and suffering after an accident. This includes any mental anguish they feel due to the collision and emotional distress.
Explore Your Legal Options With a Colorado Car Accident Attorney
“What happens if an uninsured driver hits you in Colorado?” “Can I receive compensation after a crash that wasn’t my fault?” Direct these questions and more to our team at Grant & Associates Law Firm, P.C. We’ll review your options and may recommend a legal strategy.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You can either contact us online or call 970-356-5666 to schedule a consultation.