Hit By An Uninsured Motorist? Contact A Law Firm In Newark NJ
When you are a victim of an automobile accident, the whole ordeal can be stressful and time-consuming. And you may even worry about who will pay for damages or medical expenses. If you are not at fault, it may be the other driver’s legal responsibility to cover the costs. But when you discover that the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, that can make things even more challenging for you. In such a scenario, you should contact a law firm in Newark NJ and talk to an auto accident attorney for advice.
If you are in this situation, here are some steps you can take.
1. Hire A Lawyer Immediately
Going through the claims process can be challenging if you do not get help. You should hire an experienced lawyer from our law firm in Newark NJ to help you navigate the case. An attorney will help you to collect the amount of compensation you deserve for car damage or injuries. The professional will also assist you in determining whether filing a lawsuit will be a course of action to take. In that case, you will have to do it within a specific period to avoid delays.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurance company. That will help you to determine how your coverage will apply. Also, your insurer will give you the necessary forms to fill so that you can get compensation. The advantage here is that New Jersey is a no-fault state. Thus, your insurance may be enough to cover for losses, regardless of who was at fault.
While many people might want to file a lawsuit, that may not be an option in New Jersey. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at the leading law firm in Newark NJ, Lord Kobrin Alvarez and Fattell LLC, for clarification. But before contacting us, ensure to gather as much information as possible about the accident. Also, be sure to give us an accurate report to make things easier for you.
3. File for Uninsured Motorist Claim
If you get injured as a result of a car crash caused by an uninsured driver, your auto insurance policy can be crucial. That assumes you have an insurance policy or you live with somebody who has it. In that case, you should use your lawyer to file for an Uninsured Motorist claim.
In New Jersey, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage comes in handy when an at-fault driver does not have car insurance. That means your auto carrier will be responsible for compensating you for any damages, up to the coverage limit of your policy. Understand that UM coverage is also useful in hit-and-run cases.
4. File for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Claim with a Law Firm in Newark, NJ
Underinsured Motorist coverage is almost similar to Uninsured Motorist coverage NJ. It applies when the at-fault driver has a car insurance package that is not enough to compensate you for damages or injuries.
Consider this example. Your car insurance policy covers up to $50,000 in UIM coverage. The other driver’s policy only covers up to $10,000. The damages and injuries suffered total to $50,000. In this case, your lawyer can help you to file a UIM claim against your insurer for the remaining $40,000. But before you can file the claim, you must first recover the $10,000 from the underinsured driver.
5. Don’t Accept Cash
A driver faces hefty fines and fees for driving without insurance. Because they are aware of what awaits them, they may try to offer you some money to avoid any legal repercussions. Do not accept it because you do not know the extent of your damages or the costs of your injuries. Even if the deal seems sweet, hold it off or contact a lawyer at our law firm in Newark NJ for advice.
6. Call the Police
You should call the police immediately you are involved in an auto accident. Do not worry whether the other person has insurance or not. When you call the police, they will take statements from the other party, yourself, and witnesses. They will then file a report that will help to get your expenses and make the whole claims process easier for you.
7. Exchange Information
The other person will not have any insurance information to give you. Regardless, get their vehicle and contact details immediately. Also, get some information from witnesses and gather details like the type of vehicle involved in the accident, location, time, and responding officer’s badge number. Any statements you collect can be beneficial in your claims process.
If you need help after being hit by an uninsured driver, find the right New Jersey auto accident attorney. You can contact an attorney at Lord & Kobrin, LLC to help you file for a UIM or UM claim. Our attorneys understand auto insurance and accident law in the state and will guide you through the complex issues that surround hit-and-run and related cases. You can have confidence that you are working with a law firm in Newark NJ.