Being hit by an uninsured driver is a nightmare scenario — who pays for your damages and medical bills? Thankfully, you still have options through uninsured motorist coverage or civil claims.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage:
- Covers injuries if the other driver has no insurance
- Required in some states
- Can include lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage:
- Helps when the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance
- Pays the difference between their limit and your total loss
If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage:
- You may have to sue the driver personally
- But they might not have assets to recover
- You can explore MedPay (medical payments) or health insurance
Legal Action Options:
- File a personal injury lawsuit
- Seek small claims court (for low-cost damages)
- Garnish wages or assets (if judgment awarded)
Tip: Always add UM/UIM to your policy — it’s usually inexpensive but extremely valuable.