What to Do if You’re Hit by an Uninsured Motorist in a Different State

Key Highlights:

1. Stay Calm and Call the Police: Ensure safety and file an official police report, which is crucial for your claim.
2. Collect the Driver’s Details: Gather the uninsured driver’s name, contact info, and license plate number.
3. Take Photos and Talk to Witnesses: Document the scene, damage, and injuries. Get witness contact details.
4. Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident and check if your uninsured motorist coverage applies.
5. Understand State Laws: Laws differ across states, some are “no-fault,” while others are “at-fault.”
6. Check for Compensation Funds: Some states offer uninsured motorist funds for medical or repair costs.
7. Consult a Lawyer: A lawyer can guide you through legal options, especially with out-of-state rules.
8. Take Care of Yourself: Seek medical attention even if you feel fine and prioritize your physical and emotional recovery.

If you’re hit by an uninsured motorist in a different state, it’s crucial to act quickly and correctly to protect yourself. Start by gathering evidence at the scene, contacting the police, and getting a copy of the report. Your insurance coverage will play a key role, so notify your provider as soon as possible to understand how your policy works across state lines.

Each state has different laws regarding uninsured drivers, so understanding the specific rules where the accident occurred is important. By taking the right steps, you can navigate the situation and ensure you’re financially protected.

Here’s what to do if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist in a different state:

Step 1: Stay Calm and Call the Police

Yes, it’s normal to feel upset or even scared after an accident, especially in an unfamiliar place. But the most important thing you can do right away is stay calm. Make sure everyone is safe, and call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, having an official police report is critical, especially when dealing with an uninsured driver. The police will document what happened, which can help you later when you file claims. 

Step 2: Get the Other Driver’s Information

Even though the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it’s still important to get their personal details. Ask for their name, phone number, and license plate number. This information can help when filing a claim with your own insurance or if you need to take legal action later.

Step 3: Take Photos and Talk to Witnesses

Yes, gathering evidence is very important. Take photos of the accident scene, the cars involved, any damage, and even your injuries. If there are people around who saw what happened, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can help support your story later if there are questions about who was at fault.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to let them know what happened. If you have (uninsured motorist coverage), your insurance will step in to cover your medical bills and car repairs, even though the other driver doesn’t have insurance. You’ll also want to understand how your insurance handles out-of-state accidents, as rules may vary from state to state. 

Step 5: Understand Different State Laws

Yes, state laws can be different depending on where you are. Some states have “no-fault” insurance laws, meaning that each driver’s insurance pays for their own damages, no matter who caused the accident. Other states are “at-fault” states, where the driver responsible for the accident must pay for damages. If the accident happened in a state with different insurance laws than your home state, your insurance company can explain how it works. 

In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage works differently from other states. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Georgia protects drivers from financial loss in accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists by providing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, with policyholders having the option to choose between “add-on” or “reduced by” coverage, while allowing them to claim damages through their own insurance when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage.

Step 6: Check if the Other State Has Compensation Funds

Some states have special funds to help people who have been hit by uninsured drivers. These are called (uninsured motorist compensation funds). These funds can help pay for your medical bills or car repairs if the at-fault driver can’t. Your insurance company or an attorney can help you find out if the state where the accident happened offers this kind of support.

Step 7: Talk to a Lawyer

If the uninsured driver refuses to pay for damages, or if the situation gets complicated, yes, talking to a personal injury lawyer can help. A lawyer can explain your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. They can also guide you through dealing with out-of-state insurance claims or legal processes, helping you recover losses after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Step 8: Take Care of Yourself

Yes, accidents are not just stressful for your car—they can also be hard on your body and mind. Make sure to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel seriously hurt right away. Sometimes injuries show up days later. It’s also important to give yourself time to rest and recover, both physically and emotionally.

All our cases are handled contingently, so you only have to pay us once we win. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 

How Can a Lawyer Help After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver in a Different State?

Dealing with an accident involving an uninsured driver is tough enough, but when it happens in a different state, things can get even more complicated. 

Yes, personal injury attorney can definitely help if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist in a different state, and the points mentioned in the previous response are accurate. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Navigating Out-of-State Laws: Laws vary from state to state, and a lawyer familiar with both your home state’s laws and the state’s laws where the accident occurred can ensure that you’re complying with local regulations. They can explain the differences in liability, insurance requirements, and legal processes between the two states.
• Uninsured Motorist Claims: If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, a lawyer can help you file a claim after an accident with an uninsured driver through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
• Coordination with Insurance Companies: A lawyer will handle communications with both your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s representatives, ensuring that any differences in state laws are properly addressed.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit in the state where the accident occurred to recover damages that uninsured motorist coverage might not cover.
• Managing the Legal Process: A lawyer can make sure all legal requirements, such as statute of limitations and documentation, are properly handled, especially when dealing with two different states’ systems.

A personal injury lawyer in this situation is key in ensuring you don’t get lost in the complexities of dealing with interstate legal processes, insurance negotiations, and uninsured motorist claims.

For more details on how an attorney can assist you, check out our Personal Injury FAQs.

Talk to an Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in a different state, don’t handle the situation on your own. Our experienced uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help manage the insurance process, tackle legal matters, and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Remember, you only pay if we win your case.

Contact us for a free consultation or call (404) 888-4444. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Conclusion

Being hit by an uninsured motorist in a different state can feel tiring, but by staying calm and following these steps, you can get through it. Remember to call the police, gather evidence, notify your insurance company, and learn about the laws in the state where the accident happened. If needed, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer to help you with your claim. Yes, it’s a tough situation, but with the right steps, you can protect yourself and get back on the road safely. If you need help do well to  Contact us for a free consultation or call (404) 888-4444.