- posted: Jan. 07, 2014
- Auto Accidents
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, it can create a difficult situation. When this is the case, you may decide to pursue compensation from the responsible party, while also seeking damages from the uninsured or underinsured motorist portion of your own auto insurance policy.
With uninsured motorist coverage, you get additional protection if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Because mandatory liability insurance typically does not provide coverage in this area, the added protection might be worth your while when selecting the policy that’s right for you.
On the other hand, mandatory liability insurance is the minimum coverage drivers are required by law to carry in case they’re in a crash. These minimum levels start at $10,000 for property damage and continue upward for bodily injury liability.
The potential consequences
If you’re the one driving without adequate insurance coverage, you may face a number of penalties, including having your license and/or vehicle registration suspended until you are able to provide proof of insurance, via a SR-22 certificate.
Being at fault for an accident when you don’t have proper insurance could mean you have to pay out of your own pocket for the property damage or injury of other drivers and passengers. The injured parties might opt to file a civil lawsuit against you, which is likely to come with additional costs. Your best bet is to always carry insurance if you’re going to drive on Arizona’s roads and highways.
No matter what your situation, you should work with an experienced auto accident lawyer if you’ve been involved in a crash. You may have a number of options for seeking compensation from negligent parties or insurance companies.