Getting hit by another driver is a frustrating experience under any circumstances, but it becomes especially so when that driver is uninsured. At this point, you’re probably wondering how you will pay for your vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related expenses – even if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy as required by district law. The answer: by turning to an experienced Washington, D.C. uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer for help.
The law firm of Marks & Harrison has been helping people with their legal needs for over a century. We know how to explore every possible option for getting you the money you deserve, and we’re ready to get started at no upfront cost to you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help with your uninsured motorist claim.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a policy you take out from your own insurance company. It covers your bodily injury and property damage if you are in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver in an accident doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the extent of your losses. Just like uninsured motorist insurance, you purchase this policy and file underinsured motorist claims with your own auto insurance company.
What Are Washington, D.C.’s Uninsured Motorist Coverage Laws?
Washington D.C. requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance with minimum coverage of:
- $5,000 per accident for property damage
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
You may wish to have additional coverage. These are just the minimum amounts your policy must have. Many people prefer to have more coverage, as medical bills and property damage losses can quickly add up.
Unlike uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage is not required. However, insurance companies must offer optional underinsured motorist coverage up to the limits of your uninsured motorist policy. Contact our Washington, D.C. uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer today.
What Should I Do If I Am Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?
If you’ve been hit by someone without insurance, be prepared for them to leave the scene of the accident since it’s against the law to not have auto insurance in D.C. Call the police as soon as you can and carry on as if it were an insured motorist who hit you. If the other driver sticks around, exchange contact information with them. If they try to leave, get their license plate and car information or take a photo.
Make sure to get checked out by medical professionals – some car accident injuries may not show symptoms right away. The medical records from this checkup may prove to be vital evidence in your claim, proving that your injuries stemmed from the crash.
If the other driver left the scene, make sure to let the responding officer know. This is illegal in D.C., and the police may open an investigation into the crime.
Once you’ve gotten the medical care you need, contact a lawyer. Your attorney can advise you on your options for pursuing compensation. They can also explain your rights if the uninsured driver leaves the scene and potentially even help police locate the at-fault driver. Contact our Washington DC car accident lawyer today.
How Do You Prove Who Was At Fault for the Accident?
To prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident, your lawyer will look for evidence like:
- Dashcam footage that shows the other driver hit you or violated traffic laws
- Witness testimony provided by bystanders, passengers, or other drivers
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Your medical records
- Details from the police report
- Expert testimony stating how the accident happened
One of the benefits of having legal representation is that your lawyer will be the one collecting the evidence against the other driver. They know what evidence to look for, what rules apply to its admissibility in court, and how to turn it into a compelling claim.
How Soon Should I Contact My Insurance Company?
Your auto policy has a deadline to report any accident, no matter who caused the wreck. It may also have a separate deadline for reporting an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident, so check your policy or call your insurance agent to see what your steps are. If you fail to report the accident, you could risk your policy being dropped.
Can I Use My Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Am the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Driver?
Uninsured motorist coverage also covers accidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene. Hopefully, the police can find the driver who left the scene of your accident. If they do, and the other driver has insurance, then your insurance company may try to recoup the money they paid you from your UM policy.
Does Washington, D.C. Allow Stacking Coverage?
“Stacking” insurance means applying multiple policies to cover the same accident. For example, you might have one UM policy specific to the vehicle you are driving and a separate one that covers everyone in your household. Some jurisdictions would allow you to seek compensation through both of these policies simultaneously. While your specific policies may allow for this practice, Washington, D.C. law allows insurers to include language preventing it.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Washington, DC?
Your timeframe for filing a UM/UIM claim with your insurer depends on the language of your specific policy. If you decide to pursue a lawsuit against an uninsured driver, you have three years to file, per the Code of the District of Columbia. If you don’t file your suit within this timeframe, then your case will almost certainly be dismissed. Contact our Washington DC personal injury lawyer today.
Contact a Washington, D.C. Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Lawyer
Do you need help getting the money you deserve after being hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist? Contact Marks & Harrison for a free consultation with a Washington, D.C. uninsured and underinsured motorist attorney. We look forward to meeting you, reviewing your case, and advising you on your options.
