If you're injured in an accident, the insurance company of the driver at fault usually pays your medical and other expenses, as proposed by the insurance adjuster assigned to the case. If the driver at fault doesn't have insurance, you may have to take the driver to court to obtain damages. An attorney can help you file for compensation and damages in civil court. However, it's possible that in addition to driving without insurance, the other driver may not be able to afford to pay you, even if you're awarded damages. In such cases, you may qualify to receive compensation for your medical expenses from your own insurance company. Most policies include coverage for injury by an uninsured driver. In many states, there's also a crime victim compensation fund, which may cover actual medical and other expenses up to a certain amount. In the case of injuries that are the result of a crime, for example if it's proven that your injuries were caused by a drunk or reckless driver, it may be possible to qualify for compensation from the crime victim fund in lieu of any compensation from an insurance company. Driving without insurance is an offense, which is generally punished by a fine, and possibly by a suspended or revoked license.
©2006 Crossroads Mobile. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
