If you believe the other driver was at fault, Legal Aid recommends you write a letter of demand, asking them to pay for your car and other costs. The minimum requirements for insurance are: Alternatively, you can buy an insurance certificate for $60,000 and then deposit this amount with the State Treasurer. In other words, Alabama is not a no-fault state. Of course, if youre under the influence of alcohol or found guilty of negligent driving and someone is injured, you also face legal action and a possible prison sentence. However, if an uninsured driver gets in an accident, they must know how to deal with it without facing hard penalties. These rules can prevent you from making a claim for non-economic damages (medical costs, pain and suffering, etc.) In most cases, uninsured drivers get in accidents with drivers who have their own insurance company, and these companies are known for trying to save as much money as possible. Thats great if this person causes an injury that costs less than $25,000. Keep your original quote and a copy of the letter," they advise. The insurer will then conduct an investigation to examine the claim and evidence presented. SR-22 requirements. If someone is injured, its also common courtesy to ensure they receive the proper medical attention before leaving the scene. What is a 2007 GMC Envoys life expectancy? What if youre hit by an uninsured driver in Washington? To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. That's because the at-fault driver will find themselves on the personal financial hook for the other driver's car accident damages, and they'll also have to find a way to cover their own losses (hopefully they have health insurance to take car of any medical bills for car accident injuries). Alabama follows a fault-based compensation system. However, its important to take photos of the scene to provide as evidence later on. Still, once the accident happens, the not-at-fault party deserves to get compensated, even if they weren't insured. With this coverage, your hospital bills are paid through your car insurance (up to the policy limits). 1. This should remove traffic violations related to any accidents. For those who have suffered extensive injuries, this could be an excellent option. A fantastic way to do this is by calling the Powell Law Firm, the best law firm in Missouri with incredible lawyers who ensure an excellent attorney-client relationship and a high-quality service. Only in limited circumstances is this possiblespecifically, where injuries are deemed "serious" or "significant" under the state's threshold definition, or when medical expenses exceed a certain amount, such as $20,000. When this happens, you could face difficulties getting the compensation you deserve from the driver responsible for harming you. There is a fixed penalty charge of 300, and you could receive 6 penalty points on your licence. Whether the cause was distracted driving, disregard for traffic laws or other factors, over 30,000 of these collisions resulted in injuries to one or more individuals. Some states have what's called a "no pay, no play" law, limiting the compensation you can receive after a not-at . Well ensure you get the best settlement possible. An experienced attorney can consider the specific circumstances of your situation and explain your options. Car accidents can be terrifying experiences. The WEIERLAW team can reduce your stress during this difficult experience. If youve been in a bad accident, you need to focus on recovery, not handling the legal matters involved with your claim. The damage to your car is less than $15,000 (or you're okay with $15,000 as a . Who Pays the Bills? Not to mention convenient! You should try and take photos or video before any vehicles are moved and from as many angles as possible. We are devoted to handling any disputes that might arise from your case to ensure you are receiving the best possible settlement. Do I Need a Lawyer if an Insurance Company Denies My Claim? You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. updated Sep 13, 2022 Driving without insurance in Washington State can result in serious penalties, depending on the circumstance. . The police report is useful to have, but you dont want to rely on it as the sole source of information about the accident. If the cost of coverage has put you off getting your policy up to date, Simply download the top-rated app, enter some basic information, and in a matter of seconds, Jerry brings you a group of customized money-saving policies to choose from., On average, Jerry shoppers lower the cost of their. In this final scenario, if you are at fault, you may be responsible for paying for damage you caused to the other car and any other property. And once you get your license back, youll be required to provide, additional proof of financial responsibility, from an approved insurance company, or you can get a, . But if for some reason they dont, you have four days to notify the Washington DMV., If the accident was your fault, then things are going to get pretty hairy. That rate hike is the largest in California, where an accident more than doubles insurance rates. Moreover, even after paying the financial compensation, they may face other consequences, such as getting their driver's license removed or suspended. If the accident is reported by a police officer who attends the scene, you dont need to file a separate report later. Please try again later. The fact that you're an uninsured driver doesn't have any effect on a key element: who was at fault for the accident. This varies by state and situation. Amber Reed is an insurance writer based in Portland, Oregon. You must have physical proof of your insurance when driving. This is one of the reasons that its vital to keep your current, The penalties for using fake proof of insurance, Minimum required car insurance in Washington, So how much insurance do you need to avoid all this unpleasantness? If you have been injured in an accident, even if it was your fault, call the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) on 1300 656 919 immediately for help with making a claim, as strict time limits apply. Youre entitled to be compensated for not being able to enjoy the things you once enjoyed. Washington State law requires all drivers to have auto insurance to protect others from accidents and injuries. This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Most auto accidents in Washington State are dealt with by insurance settlement negotiations, rather than a formal court case. If youre hurt in the car accident, seek immediate medical treatment. On the other hand, a severe accident that results in significant injury or fatalities may result in hundreds of thousands in damages and injury. Please contact our attorneys by filling out the form below. the state's traffic court will fine you up to $1,500, and. If you are at fault for an accident, you may be required to provide compensation for any damages you caused. the vehicle's registered owner. If the other driver (or their insurance company) is trying to put the blame for the crash on you, there's a lot at stake for you financially, especially if the other driver was seriously injured. If the car accident is severe or blocks a road, you should call the police immediately. As weve previously said, Washington is a comparative negligence state. Our injury attorneys and staff are here to help so that you can focus on healing. In this case, your, drivers license is suspended for three years, on top of the fine. In New York, for example, if your vehicle is uninsured and is involved in an accident: the state's DMV will revoke your driver license and vehicle registration for at least one year, and. In other words, you will have to pay them out of your own pocket. Even if you were 100% in the wrong, PIP will pay out. $50,000 of bodily injury or death of any 2 people in any 1 accident. But if you're dealing with an uninsured driver, calling the police is even more important, since their report will help get your expenses covered and make the claims process smoother. For example, first . (510) 529-2381. These situations involve spending considerable money on medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees, so being insured would take a massive weight off the driver's shoulders. Detailed overview of how your personal injury settlements are distributed. Exchange all required information with the other driver, and get as much documentation of the accident as possible. Fill in all the required information and pay the fee. Well go into the details of car insurance you should carry later in the guide. No case is too small or too big for us. Whereas commercial vehicle accidents remain for ten years. Heres how the law breaks it down:, : misdemeanor; punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up $1,000 in fines, : gross misdemeanor; punishable by up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines, : class C felony; punishable by up to 5 years in jail and $10,000 in fines, : class B felony; punishable by up to 10 years in jail and $20,000 in fines. Non-commercial auto accidents remain on your license for five years. If the case goes to trial and the other driver obtains a judgment against you, they have a number of options available to try to get some or all of that judgment satisfied, including garnishing your wages in some cases. In those states, if you did not have valid automobile insurance in place at the time of the accident, you're limited in the types of compensation you can receive for your injuries, and in a few states (like New Jersey) you can't recover anything at all against the at-fault driver. You are able to collect damages in proportion to your fault in the accident, The statue of limitation in Washington state is 3 years. This makes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage an exceedingly smart choice to make., If you are caught driving without car insurance in Washington, then you are subject to a fine of around, . No-fault car insurance states. You can also get a liability bond if you opt out of the state minimum requirements. Even if no one has been hurt, you may also want to call the police if the cars are really damaged so you can get a police report. Wha t can I do? If you were hurt in an accident, call our Dallas car accident attorneys at The Queenan Law Firm today. Good luck - and get your license. If possible, find affordable insurance to . However, your ability to do this will depend on your states rules. A car accident, also referred to as a "traffic collision," or a "motor vehicle accident," occurs when a motor vehicle strikes or collides another vehicle, a stationary object, a pedestrian, or an animal. Trying to fight this claim without a car accident lawyer may be an uphill battle, which is why it is crucial to find a trustworthy law firm with experienced, Whether the accident happens in a no-fault state or not, no one likes getting into a car accident. These rules can prevent you from making a claim for non-economic damages (medical costs, pain and suffering, etc.) States with no-fault laws generally allow you to sue for severe injuries or . Driving without insurance in Washington is not advisable. Members save $872/year. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) I have no auto insurance. The insurance of the at-fault driver will pay to cover the other drivers damages. Having them at the scene will help reduce the likelihood of people involved becoming aggressive and all those involved will be able to complete a police report. A non-fault claim is made when you are not to blame for an accident. Typically, you have the following options to recover your lost wages in a car accident case: Make a request to your insurance company, if your policy includes that coverage. All Rights Reserved. Otherwise, you could file a lawsuit to recover damages. Washington follows the pure comparative negligence theory. You may have a claim for personal injuries if you were hurt, but the owner of the car you were driving will be the one that will deal directly with the at-fault insurance company for the property damage to the car. Lets say somebody was 98% at fault for an accident, they are still able to claim the other 2% from the other driver. Car Insurance Requirements in Washington. If a driver doesn't have car insurance, the state may penalize them for it. Yes. This must be done within four days of the accident occurring. But one thing is for sureits not going to be cheap, no matter what route you go., If you did have insurance at the time but just didnt have the proof on you, then youll be okay as long as you show that you were insured at the time, . Call for a free consultation at 727-937-1400 or visit us on the Web at www.serviceandjustice.com. This is a less formal process that begins by submitting a claim with the insurance provider of the person at fault showing the evidence of damage caused. Key takeaways. As well as a shot of the other vehicles license plate to ensure you have the correct information. Driving a car without your valid driver's license on you is not as severe as . The Washington State Department of Transportation Crash Data Portal shows the main causes of accidents were teen drivers, distracted drivers, and drunk drivers. 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