Accidents can cause expensive injuries and vehicle damage. They can lead to loss of income due to missed work while recovering. Ideally, people have insurance to help cover the expenses if they cause harm to others. But what happens when the person responsible for the damage doesn’t have insurance? It can be a frustrating and confusing situation, but victims still have options for seeking compensation.
Here are five strategies for holding the uninsured accountable.
- Exploring personal assets
Pursuing their assets involves trying to obtain compensation from their property or savings. However, this can be challenging, especially if they don’t have many assets. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the effort and expense involved.
- Uninsured motorist coverage
Your own auto insurance policy might include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects victims when the at-fault party lacks insurance. It can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. It’s a good idea to check your policy to see if you have this coverage, as it can provide a significant safety net in such situations.
- Employer liability
If the person causing the injury was working during the incident, their employer might be liable. For instance, if a delivery driver injured you, their company might have insurance covering such situations. This is because employers can be held responsible for the actions of their employees during work hours.
- Involvement of government entities
In certain situations, a government agency might share responsibility for your injury. For example, if poor road maintenance or bad design contributed to a car accident or a public space was not properly maintained, pursuing compensation from government entities can be worth exploring.
- Other responsible parties
Sometimes, more than one person or entity is responsible for an injury. It’s important to consider all potential parties who might share liability. They might have insurance or assets that can help cover your damages. For example, the motor vehicle may have a brake system design flaw that caused a car collision.
Taking legal action
Victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the uninsured person, but collecting any awarded judgment might be difficult if they lack assets. Still, legal action can be a way to establish responsibility and potentially recover damages formally.
If an uninsured person has injured you, it’s crucial to explore all your options. Those with questions can speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your situation. They can help you understand your rights and the best options for compensation that you deserve.