What Are the Common Mistakes After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough—but finding out the other driver does not have insurance can make the situation even more overwhelming.

Many people are unsure what steps to take after being hit by an uninsured driver. Unfortunately, mistakes made in the moments, days, or weeks after an accident can make it more difficult to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

If you were injured by an uninsured driver in Rhode Island, understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what steps to take.

Below are some of the most common mistakes accident victims make after being hit by an uninsured driver.

1. Not Calling the Police After the Accident

One of the biggest mistakes people make after being hit by an uninsured driver is deciding not to report the accident.

Even if the accident appears minor, contacting law enforcement creates an official record of what happened. A police report may include important details such as:

• The drivers involved

• Insurance information (or lack of insurance coverage)

• Statements from the parties involved

• Witness information

• The officer’s observations about the accident scene

Without documentation, it may become more difficult to prove how the accident happened and who was responsible.

2. Assuming You Cannot Recover Compensation Because the Driver Has No Insurance

Many accident victims assume that if the at-fault driver has no insurance, they have no options for recovering compensation.

That is not always true.

Depending on your policy, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you when you are injured by a driver who does not have insurance.

Understanding your available insurance coverage is an important step after an uninsured driver accident.

Related Reading:
What Happens If You Are Hit By an Uninsured Driver in Rhode Island?

3. Not Seeking Medical Treatment Right Away

After an accident, some people wait to see if their injuries improve on their own.

This can be a costly mistake.

Some injuries, including soft tissue injuries, concussions, and other accident-related conditions, may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying medical care can also create questions about whether your injuries were caused by the accident.

After a crash, it is important to:

• Get evaluated by a medical professional.

• Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.

• Keep records of medical appointments and expenses.

Your medical records can become important evidence when pursuing compensation.

4. Accepting a Settlement Too Quickly

When an uninsured driver causes an accident, victims may feel pressure to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

However, accepting a settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries can create problems later.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you may lose the ability to seek additional compensation—even if you later discover that you need additional treatment.

Before accepting any offer, you should consider:

• Current medical expenses

• Future medical needs

• Lost wages

• Long-term effects of your injuries

• Pain and suffering

5. Not Gathering Evidence From the Accident Scene

Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes.

If you are physically able after an accident, try to collect as much information as possible, including:

• Photos of the vehicles

• Photos of the accident scene

• Photos of visible injuries

• Contact information for witnesses

• The other driver's information

• A copy of the police report

This evidence may help establish what happened and support your claim.

6. Giving a Recorded Statement Without Understanding Your Rights

Insurance companies may contact you shortly after an accident to ask questions about what happened.

While it is important to cooperate with your own insurance company, you should be careful when providing statements about your injuries or the accident.

Statements made early in the process may later be used to question the severity of your injuries or the circumstances of the crash.

Before giving a recorded statement, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights.

7. Failing to Check Your Own Insurance Coverage

After being hit by an uninsured driver, many people do not realize that their own insurance policy may provide protection.

Uninsured motorist coverage may help compensate you for certain damages when the at-fault driver does not have insurance.

Your available coverage may depend on factors such as:

• Your insurance policy

• The circumstances of the accident

• The extent of your injuries

• The applicable state laws

Reviewing your policy after an accident can help you understand what options may be available.

8. Waiting Too Long to Speak With an Attorney

Accident victims sometimes wait until problems arise with the insurance company before seeking legal advice.

Waiting too long can make it harder to:

• Preserve evidence

• Identify witnesses

• Understand insurance coverage

• Meet legal deadlines

Rhode Island has deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and missing those deadlines may affect your ability to recover compensation.

If you were injured in a car accident in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, contact ACE Injury Attorneys today at (888) 333-9333 to schedule a free consultation and learn how your claim may be handled.