However, driving without insurance is a serious problem that affects more than just your legal standing. Especially if you cause an accident that results in injuries or property damage to others, it can have serious repercussions. Consequences for driving without auto insurance can vary widely depending on where you live, who was at fault in an accident, and other factors.Â
You should know the consequences of getting into an accident without car insurance, such as having your license suspended or revoked, paying for all of the costs associated with the accident out of pocket, and possibly paying hefty fines before deciding on your coverage. For more hints keep on reading this article.
In the aftermath of an accident, what should someone without insurance do?
First and foremost, you should stop and remain at the scene of the accident until you have taken the necessary measures. While driving without vehicle insurance carries consequences, those penalties pale in comparison to those that may be incurred for fleeing the scene of an accident (including criminal hit-and-run charges), significantly if anyone was injured. In addition, please consider the following additional measures:
- If someone appears to have sustained a serious injury, call 911 immediately.
- Get the police involved
- To anyone involved in the incident, exchange contact information.
- Think before you speak at the scene of a car crash. Maintain silence and don’t take responsibility for what happened.
- Identify and collect the contact information of any potential eyewitnesses.
- It would help if you photographed the accident scene, vehicle positions, and anything else that could shed light on what happened.
Remember to put this into context. Driving without automobile insurance (or proof of “financial responsibility” for an accident) is against the law, but the fact that you are uninsured will not factor into determining fault.
Accident Caused by Driver Who Was Not Insured
If you cause an accident and don’t have car insurance, you’ll have to pay for the other driver’s medical bills and repairs out of your pocket. You must compensate the other driver for any damages caused by your actions, and if you refuse to do so or are unable to do so, the other driver may file a lawsuit against you.
You’ll also have to pay for the other car’s repairs. Damages to the other driver could cost the other party thousands of dollars, depending on the accident’s severity. In addition, you’ll be responsible for covering the cost of repairs to your vehicle.
Vehicle Collision in Which Neither Party Was at Fault
However, even if the other driver was at fault for the accident, the laws in your state may prevent you from receiving a sizable settlement. The “No Pay, No Play” rule is in several US states. This determines the extent, and the other driver’s insurance will compensate you for what kinds of injuries.
This law’s authors prioritize all drivers’ security. You may not have been able to compensate the other driver if you were at fault for the accident, so they should not be expected to pay you.
States That Don’t Punish You If You Don’t Cause An Accident
In a “no-fault” state, each driver is responsible for their own medical bills and car repairs. Many jurisdictions use this method to reduce the number of cases brought before the courts. Regardless of who was at fault, everyone involved in a car accident must pay for their own medical expenses.
It can be very costly to pay for things like auto repairs or medical care if you don’t have insurance. Even though the other driver’s damages will be covered, you will still have to pay a hefty sum for your vehicle’s repairs.
However, the penalties increase if it is determined that you were driving without vehicle insurance. If the other driver suffers serious injuries, they may sue you for compensation. A lawyer will cost you money; if you decide to hire one, you’ll have to cover their fees and any damages they personally cause.
Fines for Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
Every state has minimum requirements for affordable auto insurance and maximum penalties for drivers caught without it after an accident. In addition, most states’ DMVs will impose penalties such as suspending or revoking your driver’s license for a period ranging from a few months to an entire year.
If you’re driving without auto insurance and get into an accident in New York, for instance, you’ll lose your license and registration for at least a year, get fined up to $1,500 by a traffic court, and have to pay a $750 civil penalty to the DMV before you can get them back.
Conclusion
Regardless of the specifics, contacting a local auto accident attorney is always a good idea. An accomplished lawyer can evaluate your individual case and lay out your legal options for you.
