hit-by-an-uninsured-driver-in-washington-state?-here’s-what-to-do

Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Washington State? Here’s What to Do

Bydeidreswartwood Reading Time: 8 minutes

Getting hit by an uninsured driver can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you’re left with significant property damage or bodily injuries. In Washington State, where the rate of uninsured motorists is higher than the national average, it’s crucial to know what steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.

As an independent Insurance

Insurance is a contractual agreement that offers financial safeguard against unpredictable events. This arrangement, binding between an individual and an insurance company, delineates the specifics of coverage and conditions. The essence of insurance is to facilitate financial recovery after an adverse occurrence in order to avert a potentially catastrophic financial event. It is a strategic approach to counter potential hardships and offers policyholers a sense of security.
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” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/glossary/insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>insurance agency, Mid-Columbia Insurance is here to guide you through the process and ensure you have the support you need.

Understanding Washington State’s Auto Insurance Requirements

Washington State requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage. This includes:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
  • $50,000 per Accident
Accidents, often characterized by their unexpected nature and lack of intent, are incidents that result from a confluence of factors, frequently preventable. They encompass a range of events from vehicular collisions, often linked to preventable behaviors like distracted driving, to occupational injuries resultant from inadequate safety protocols.
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” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/glossary/accident” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>accident for bodily injury liability

  • $10,000 per accident for property damage liability

    • However, these minimum requirements may not be enough to fully protect you in the event of a serious accident, especially if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. That’s why it’s essential to consider additional coverage options, such as:

    • Uninsured Motorist
    Uninsured motorist coverage is a provision commonly found in automobile insurance policies that provides for a policy holder, their family, and their passengers to receive damages for any injuries they receive from an uninsured, negligent driver.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/faq/what-is-uninsured-motorist-coverage” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have (enough) insurance or if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run.

  • Collision coverage: This helps pay for repairs to your Vehicle
    • Vehicles, like cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, have various components (engines, wheels, brakes) and functions (transportation, recreation, cargo delivery). Ownership models include personal, leasing, and rental. Key attributes are weight, size, and fuel efficiency.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/glossary/vehicle” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

  • Personal Injury Protection
    Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional but valuable addition to your auto insurance policy in Washington State, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services after an accident, regardless of fault.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/personal-injury-protection-pip” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Personal injury protection (PIP): This covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.

    • At Mid-Columbia Insurance, we work with top insurance carriers like Safeco Insurance

    Safeco Insurance provides an extensive array of insurance products designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families. Their offerings include auto, home, renters, boat, rv, and other products.
    Term details

    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/safeco-insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Safeco, Progressive Insurance

    Progressive Insurance is one of the largest insurance providers in the United States, offering a wide range of insurance products, including auto, home, renters, and commercial insurance. The company was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio.
    Term details

    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/progressive-insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Progressive, National General Insurance

    National General Insurance offers auto insurance coverage as one of its insurance products. National General Insurance is known for providing auto insurance to a wide range of drivers, both regular and high-risk.
    Term details

    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/national-general-insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>National General, Dairyland Insurance

    Dairyland Insurance focuses on providing auto insurance to high-risk drivers and preferred motorcycle insurance.
    Term details

    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/dairyland-insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Dairyland, The General Insurance

    The General Insurance specializes in providing auto insurance for drivers who may have difficulty obtaining coverage due to factors such as driving history or prior insurance. The company is known for its commercials featuring an animated character named “The General.”
    Term details

    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/the-general-insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>The General, and Bristol West Insurance

    Bristol West has been serving drivers just like you for over 45 years and is committed to offering quality auto insurance at an affordable price.
    Term details

    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/bristol-west-auto-insurance” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Bristol West to provide our clients with a wide range of coverage options tailored to their unique needs and budget.

    Wa Hit By Uninsured Driver Protect Yourself - Accident - Fire brigade rescues accident Victim of a car using a hydraulic rescue tool

    Steps to Take After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver

    If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Washington State, follow these steps to protect yourself and your interests:

    1. Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s essential to have an official police report documenting the incident. This report can serve as valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim.
    2. Gather information: Collect as much information as possible about the uninsured driver, including their name, contact information, and vehicle details. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
    3. Document the scene: Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, as well as any bodily injuries you or your passengers may have sustained. If possible, take pictures of the surrounding area, including any traffic signs or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
    4. Seek medical attention: If you or your passengers are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, as these will be important when filing an insurance claim.
    5. Contact your Insurance Company
    An insurance carrier pools money together from thousands of people paying premiums and because only some of these people will have car crashes or home damage, the total premiums paid usually cover all these expenses. This spreads out the risk, rather than a few unfortunate people having to bear the full devastation of a loss.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/glossary/insurance-company” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage options.

    Remember, even if the other driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover Damages

    The doctrine of damages in common law serves as a cornerstone of legal redress, offering a structured approach to compensating individuals who have suffered loss or injury attributable to the actions or negligence of another party.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/glossary/damages” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>damages through your own Insurance Policy

    An insurance policy constitutes a formal agreement between an insurance company and the policyholder. This pact ensures that the insurer will provide financial compensation to the insured in the event of specific, predefined contingencies in exchange for periodic payments known as premiums.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/glossary/insurance-policy” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage.

    The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

    Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional but highly recommended type of insurance that protects you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. In Washington State, where the percentage of uninsured drivers is higher than the national average at 16.5%, having this coverage can be a lifesaver.

    Here’s how it works:

    Scenario Without Uninsured Motorist Coverage With Uninsured Motorist Coverage
    You’re hit by an uninsured driver and sustain injuries You may have to pay for your own medical bills out of pocket Your uninsured motorist coverage will help pay for your medical expenses
    You’re hit by an uninsured driver and your vehicle is damaged You may have to pay for repairs out of pocket if you don’t have collision coverage Your uninsured motorist property damage coverage will help pay for repairs

    As Gary Paulson

    Gary started as an insurance agent in 1988 as an Allstate agent inside the Kennewick Sears store. He and his now-retired business partner started Mid-Columbia Insurance in October 1995.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/gary-paulson” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>Gary Paulson, owner of Mid-Columbia Insurance, explains, “Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most important coverages a driver can have in Washington State. It provides peace of mind knowing that you’re protected even if the other driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance.”

    Uninsured Driver Accident Steps To Take - black car accident car beside road

    Mid-Columbia Insurance
    – Your Trusted Insurance Agent

    Being hit by an uninsured driver in Washington State can be a challenging and stressful experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. By understanding your coverage options, taking the right steps after an accident, and working with a trusted independent insurance agent like those at Mid-Columbia Insurance, you can protect yourself and your interests.

    Remember, preventative measures like carrying uninsured motorist coverage can make all the difference in the event of an accident. Don’t wait until it’s too late – talk to your insurance agent today about ensuring you have the coverage you need.

    At Mid-Columbia Insurance, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and the claims process. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver or have any questions about your Vehicle Insurance

    Get Car Insurance Quote Today! You need to drive in order to get to work, to run errands, and to do all that other stuff in life. Don’t drive without insurance. Call Today. (509) 783-5600Request a Free Quote and see how inexpensive auto insurance can be for you.
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    ” href=”https://midcolumbiainsurance.com/auto-insurance-agency” data-mobile-support=”0″ data-gt-translate-attributes=”[{“attribute”:”data-cmtooltip”, “format”:”html”}]” tabindex=”0″ role=”link”>auto insurance policy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way. 

    Call  div:nth-of-type(2)> p:nth-of-type(10)> a”>(509)783-5600 and speak to one of our independent insurance agent professionals today, or click “ div:nth-of-type(2)> p:nth-of-type(10)> a:nth-of-type(2)” title=”Affordable Auto Insurance Quote”>Get a Quote” to request an insurance quote.

    The insurance you want — At a price you can afford.

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