Car accidents are scary and stressful. When the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it can feel even worse. You might worry about how you’ll pay for medical bills, car repairs, or lost wages from missing work.
If this happens to you in Jersey City, don’t panic. New Jersey has laws that can help protect you. Here’s what you need to know and what steps to take.
New Jersey’s Insurance Laws Protect You
Every car insurance policy in New Jersey must offer something called Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This is your safety net when another driver causes an accident but has no insurance to pay for the damage.
The state also requires insurance companies to offer Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This helps when the other driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover all your costs.
There are minimum coverage amounts that insurance companies must offer, and these requirements increase over time to keep up with rising costs.
The only exception is New Jersey’s “basic” insurance policy, which doesn’t include these protections. Most drivers choose fuller coverage because it offers better protection.
What to Do Right After the Accident
Call the Police First
Always call 911, even if the crash seems minor. Police will create an official report that can help your case later. While you wait, take photos of the damage, the accident scene, and both vehicles.
Write down the other driver’s license plate number and get their contact information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers too.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Even though the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your own company should help you. Call them as soon as possible to start a claim under your UM or UIM coverage.
Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or guess about what the other driver was thinking.
Prove Who Was at Fault
Your insurance company will investigate to figure out who caused the accident. New Jersey uses “comparative negligence” rules. This means if you share some of the blame, your payout might be reduced.
For example, if the investigation shows you were partly at fault, you might get proportionally less money. That’s why it’s important to gather good evidence at the scene.
Possible Outcomes
Several things could happen with your claim:
Best case: Your UM/UIM coverage is high enough to cover all your costs, and the investigation shows the other driver was completely at fault. You get paid for everything.
Middle case: You get most of your costs covered, but the amount is reduced because you shared some fault for the accident.
Worst case: Your damages cost more than your coverage limits, or you don’t have UM/UIM coverage at all. You might have to pay some costs yourself.
Hit-and-run cases can be especially tricky for property damage claims. Some insurance policies require the other driver to be identified before they’ll pay for car repairs.
How to Protect Yourself
The best protection is buying good insurance before you need it. Consider getting UM and UIM coverage that’s higher than just the legal minimum. It doesn’t cost much more, but it can save you thousands later.
Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident. Save medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs from missed work, and photos of your injuries. These documents help prove how much money you lost.
When You Need a Lawyer
Some cases are simple and your insurance company handles everything fairly. But sometimes you need legal help, especially if:
- You suffered serious injuries
- There’s a dispute about who caused the accident
- Your insurance company is being unfair
- You’re not sure if you’re getting the right amount of money
A personal injury lawyer who knows New Jersey law can make sure you’re treated fairly. They can calculate what your case is really worth and fight for the maximum payout you deserve.
Get the Help You Need
Being hit by an uninsured driver in Jersey City is frightening, but you’re not helpless. New Jersey’s insurance laws provide important protections, and your own insurance policy should help cover your costs.
The key is acting quickly and following the right steps. Document everything, work with your insurance company, and don’t be afraid to ask for legal help when you need it.
If you’re dealing with this situation now, The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can walk you through your options and protect your rights. An experienced local attorney often gets better results and helps the process go more smoothly.
Don’t let an uninsured driver leave you paying the price for their mistake. Know your rights and take action to get the compensation you deserve.