What claims can I make against uninsured driver?

Although you are not supposed to be able to drive a motor vehicle in Kentucky without being properly registered and insured, many people manage to do just that. People will sometimes agree to buy insurance so that they can register their vehicle but they fail to pay for the insurance and, thus, they become an uninsured driver. Unfortunately, the same people who are not responsible enough to pay for their insurance cause traffic accidents. If you have been victimized by an uninsured driver in an auto accident, motorcycle accident or truck accident, you need to understand the limited options that are available to you.

Normally, the at-fault insurance company will pay for your property damage, but if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you have two options. One, file a claim against your own insurance carrier if you purchased comprehensive property damage protection for your vehicle. If you did not purchase this coverage (common in older vehicles), then your second options is to sue the at fault driver and obtain a judgment against him. Once you obtain the judgment, Kentucky law allows for you to have his driver's license suspended until he pays your judgment.

If you received personal injuries in your accident and you purchased uninsured motorist insurance, then you can file a claim for uninsured motorist benefits against your own carrier. This coverage does not cover property damage and is only for "bodily injury", which would include claims for pain and suffering, lost wages and impairment to future earning capacity. For a more detailed explanation of damages allowed in Kentucky, please click here.

The Kentucky Auto Accident Attorney can help you maximize your personal injury claims regardless of whether an uninsured motorist is involved or not. Please contact our office in Louisville (502-241-8000) or Lexington (8959-367-0036) or click here.