Hit by an Uninsured Driver? Here's What to Do

Man on phone after car accident

Legal Steps, UM/UIM Coverage, and Your Rights in Colorado

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but what happens when the other driver is uninsured? Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than many people think. According to recent studies, roughly 1 in 8 drivers in the United States are uninsured—and Colorado is no exception.

If an uninsured driver has hit you in Colorado, it's critical to know your options and take the right steps to protect yourself legally and financially. At Chris Parks Law, we’ve helped countless car accident victims navigate this exact situation and recover the compensation they need to move forward.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Call 911

As with any Colorado car accident, your first priority should be safety. Call 911 to report the accident, request medical assistance if needed, and get a police report filed. A formal report can be extremely important later—especially when dealing with your own insurance company or pursuing legal action.

Even if the other driver tries to downplay the incident or offers to pay out of pocket, never skip this step. The absence of insurance can complicate matters quickly.

Step 2: Gather Information at the Scene

While waiting for authorities to arrive, collect as much information as possible. This includes:

  • The other driver’s name and contact info (even if they admit they’re uninsured)
  • Photos of both vehicles, the damage, and the accident scene
  • Names and contact info for any witnesses
  • A personal account of what happened

This documentation can be crucial if you later need to file a UM/UIM claim or pursue other legal avenues.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve left the scene and are safe, contact your auto insurance provider and report the accident. Let them know the other driver was uninsured. This is where your own coverage comes into play.

Step 4: Understand UM/UIM Coverage in Colorado

Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, although drivers can reject it in writing. If you didn’t waive this coverage, you likely have it as part of your policy.

UM/UIM insurance is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages. This coverage can help pay for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage (if not already covered under collision coverage)

The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the limits of your UM/UIM policy. If you’re unsure whether you have this coverage, we can help you review your policy and explain your options.

Step 5: Be Cautious with Statements and Settlements

Whether you’re speaking with your insurance adjuster or the other driver, be cautious with what you say. Avoid making statements that imply fault or minimize your injuries, and never agree to a settlement without knowing the full value of your case.

Insurance companies—yes, even your own—are primarily looking out for their bottom line. That’s why it’s important to seek independent legal help before making any decisions.

Step 6: Consult a Colorado Car Accident Attorney

Dealing with an uninsured driver accident is complicated. Insurance companies may delay or deny claims, or offer settlements that don’t fully cover your losses. Working with an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney like Chris Parks can make a huge difference.

We can help you:

  • Determine whether you have valid UM/UIM coverage
  • Calculate the full value of your claim
  • File your claim properly and on time
  • Negotiate with your insurance company
  • File a lawsuit if needed to pursue full compensation

What If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage?

If you declined UM/UIM coverage and the at-fault driver has no insurance, your legal options become limited—but not impossible. You may be able to:

  • File a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver (although recovering compensation may be difficult if they have limited assets)
  • Use medical payments (MedPay) coverage, if included in your policy, to cover some of your medical bills
  • Rely on health insurance for treatment costs, though this may still leave you with out-of-pocket expenses

Chris Parks Law can evaluate your case and help you explore every available option.

Don’t Let an Uninsured Driver Leave You Unprotected

Being involved in a Colorado car accident with an uninsured driver doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. With the right legal help and a clear understanding of your policy, you can still recover the compensation you need.

At Chris Parks Law, we provide personalized guidance and aggressive representation for injury victims in Boulder and across Colorado. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, we’re here to help you navigate your options and fight for your recovery.

Schedule your free consultation today.

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