If you are injured in a car accident, it can be both a frustrating and stressful experience. However, discovering that the other driver doesn't have insurance can add to your anxiety, as you try to figure out who will cover your losses. Figuring out how to deal with this can be challenging. This is why most accident victims in Connecticut opt to seek legal help.
Fortunately, there are legal options to pursue. You may be able to sue the uninsured driver for damages if you were hurt in an accident in CT due to their negligence. Of course, speaking with an experienced CT car accident lawyer is advised.
You can seek compensation through your own insurance, the at-fault driver's personal finances, the owner of the car, and any at-fault parties.
Call Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law today for help if you find yourself in this situation. Our team can help you make sense of what has happened and the necessary steps to take afterward.
Uninsured Drivers In Connecticut
The Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates that just over 6% of drivers are uninsured within the state of Connecticut. While the vast majority are insured, as required by state law, any time you're involved in a motor vehicle accident, there will always be a chance that the other driver is uninsured. While this could complicate your car accident claim, uninsured motorist coverage is required by the state and will cover your losses.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Explained
Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) is a type of insurance on your policy that kicks in if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. In the event that they have insufficient liability coverage or none at all, your UM/UIM coverage will take effect.
This coverage will also be used in the event of a hit-and-run accident, which is another type of accident that can be very stressful to an accident victim. In these cases, your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your damages up to the maximum amount specified in your policy.
Required Insurance Coverage in CT
Connecticut mandates that drivers carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in addition to liability insurance. Your UM/UIM policy will protect you if you are in an accident and the at-fault motorist is not covered by insurance or does not have enough coverage to recover your damages. Family members or other passengers in your car at the time of the accident are also covered by your policy.
The coverage offered by your bodily injury liability policy is equivalent to the standard coverage offered by uninsured and underinsured motorist policies in Connecticut. You may, however, purchase extra coverage for up to twice as much as your liability policy for physical injuries.
What To Do After Getting Into An Accident With an Uninsured Driver
Accidents involving drivers who are not insured are not the same as accidents involving drivers who are insured. You will usually submit a claim to the at-fault driver's insurance company following an accident. However, this isn't an option if they don't have coverage. You will file a claim with your own insurance provider instead.
Dealing with your own insurance company may seem like a simpler process, but sadly, this is not always the case. Your insurance company, like any other company, is focused on maximizing their profits. So, if they are able, they will attempt to reduce the value of your claim or reject it entirely. Even if you have never missed a premium payment, your insurer may attempt to do anything they can to minimize any payout they will make.
For this reason, speak with a Connecticut car accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident — especially if the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
Suing the Uninsured Driver After a CT Car Accident
In Connecticut, you have the legal right to sue an uninsured driver who causes an accident. They are still legally obligated to pay for any damages they've created even if they don't have insurance. However, you may not be able to obtain any compensation from an uninsured driver, even if you are awarded damages in court. Nevertheless, in order to pay you back, a court may force an at-fault, uninsured driver to liquidate assets or consent to having their wages garnished.
An experienced lawyer can assess your case and decide if filing a lawsuit is a viable course of action.
Time Limit For Filing An Uninsured Motorist Claim
The statute of limitations for filing an uninsured motorist claim is three years in Connecticut. But, you have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to sue the at-fault driver.
Need Assistance with a CT Uninsured Driver Claim?
In the event of a CT car accident with an uninsured motorist, you have a right to recover compensation for damages. Our skilled CT car accident lawyers can significantly impact the result of your case. Why take the chance of receiving an unfair payout?
There are no up-front costs when you work with Brandon J. Broderick as your personal injury attorney. We are only paid if we win your case.
For a free consultation, get in touch with Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law today.