Recovering Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

If you were severely injured in a motor-vehicle collision, filing an insurance claim might not be your top concern. But medical bills and other damages can add up fast, so starting the claims process right away should be your first priority once your health stabilizes.

Since Minnesota follows a no-fault system, you would likely start by filing a claim with your own insurance provider; however, you might have the right to file a third-party claim with the liable motorist’s insurer, as well. Typically, car accident victims can bypass the no-fault system if they incur more than $4,000 in medical expenses, suffer at least 60 days of disability, sustain a permanent injury, or suffer scarring or disfigurement. Proving that you meet one of these requirements might seem straightforward, but what if the liable party is uninsured?

Fortunately, there are several potential avenues you can pursue to cover the damages that result from an accident with an uninsured driver:

1. Look to Your Own Insurance Coverage 

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurer for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering up to the policy limits. Depending on the circumstances, you might file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage after exhausting your personal injury protection (PIP). 

2. Work with Your Health Insurance Provider 

Your health insurance provider may cover a considerable portion of the resulting medical expenses. A personal injury attorney can review the terms of your policy and work with the insurer as needed so you don’t take on any costs that they should be covering, and you don’t undergo any unnecessary treatments that won’t be covered. 

3. Sue the At-Fault Driver 

Filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver is another possible way to pursue compensation for your damages; however, this route poses some challenges. For example, it is unlikely that motorists who fail to maintain an active car insurance policy have enough money or assets to cover the damages that result from any wrecks they cause.

Each of these approaches has advantages and drawbacks, and the best option to pursue ultimately depends on the facts of your case. Regardless of which avenue(s) you choose to take, it is wise to seek legal counsel before getting started.

A seasoned personal injury attorney will take care of the logistics of your case so you can focus on your health. Your lawyer can interview eyewitnesses, apply legal pressure where needed, track damages, and handle all correspondence with the opposing party. Seeking guidance early in the proceedings will also ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines or make another mistake that would harm your case.  

Call 320-259-5414 to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Minneapolis 

If you need help recovering compensation after a collision with an uninsured driver, turn to the strategic personal injury lawyers at Bradshaw & Bryant. We take great pride in helping accident victims put their lives back together. Call 320-259-5414 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case evaluation with a car accident attorney in Minneapolis