Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough when both parties have car insurance. The situation can become even more complicated if you don’t have car insurance — even if the other driver was at fault. In addition to facing potential fines or legal penalties for driving uninsured, it can be more challenging to recover fair compensation for your damages. It is essential to understand your rights and options in this situation to protect yourself and navigate the claims process effectively. Here’s what you need to know.
What Happens If You Have No Insurance but the Other Driver Was at Fault?
If you were involved in a car accident in Washington State without insurance but the other driver was at fault, you are still entitled to recover compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. The reason for this is that Washington State is a “fault” state, which means the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for damages caused by the accident.
You should know that while you are entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault driver regardless of whether you have car insurance, not having car insurance in Washington State can lead to fines, higher insurance premiums, and even a suspended license. If you were in a motor vehicle accident without insurance, consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and an insurance broker to purchase car insurance as soon as possible.
Proving Fault in the Accident
To recover compensation for your damages, you will need to establish that the other driver was at fault (or at least partially at fault). Washington State follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that fault can be shared between the parties involved. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20 percent at fault for the accident, you are only entitled to receive 80 percent of the awarded damages.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident but Don’t Have Insurance
If you are able, the first thing to do after an accident is to exchange contact information with the other driver(s) and any witnesses. You will also want to collect insurance information from the at-fault driver(s). Next, take pictures of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
Once this is done, you should seek medical evaluation and care from a medical doctor as soon as possible as you will need these medical records to prove your injuries.
After this, it is time to call an experienced car accident attorney who can discuss your legal rights and help you navigate a third-party personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Without legal representation, you may encounter delays, low settlement offers, or denied claims.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
