Auto Accidents With Uninsured Drivers: Who Is Going to Pay for That?
The Insurance Research Council has forecasted that with the recent spike in unemployment, more drivers, including motorists in Idaho, will be driving without auto accident insurance. The IRC estimates that roughly one in 11 Idaho drivers will not carry car insurance even though Idaho requires all motorists to carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, one person's decision to cut costs may end up costing you.
Idaho's At-Fault Insurance Laws Put the At-Fault Driver on the Hook
"You break it, you buy it." Along the lines of this age-old retail mantra, Idaho's car insurance laws put the burden on the at-fault driver to pay all the costs for the accident he or she caused. That sounds fair.
After a car accident, the drivers involved should exchange insurance information and the driver who was not at fault can submit a claim for personal injury or property damage to the at-fault driver's insurance company.
But if the At-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Insurance, You May Pay
The problem arises, however, when the at-fault driver does not carry insurance or carries insufficient policy limits to cover your damages - commonly referred to as an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist. In that case, the driver who was not at fault will probably not be able to obtain sufficient compensation from the at-fault driver.
The injured driver must turn to his or her own insurer for coverage up to the limits of any uninsured or underinsured motorist policy that he or she purchased. Idaho drivers are not required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but it is generally a good idea to do so, especially now that more drivers are driving without motor vehicle insurance.
If you do not carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you will likely have to be responsible for all or most of your expenses for your injuries and property damage. You may sue the at-fault driver, but if he or she does not have sufficient assets to pay a judgment in your favor, you are probably out of options to recover money for your injuries and property damage.
Resolving your insurance coverage and claims can be difficult. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before you speak with an insurer for an explanation of your options and assistance in resolving your claim.
