What Happens If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver In Connecticut

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. But finding out the other driver doesn’t have insurance? That makes everything infinitely worse.

You’re stuck with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and bills piling up while the person who caused all this can’t pay for any of it. Unfortunately, this scenario plays out more often than most people realize. The good news is that Connecticut law does provide some protections to help you through this mess.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Here’s something most Connecticut drivers don’t know: your auto insurance policy must include uninsured motorist coverage unless you specifically rejected it in writing. This coverage exists specifically for situations where someone without insurance causes an accident that injures you or damages your property.

UM coverage typically breaks down into two parts:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): This covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering from injuries

• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): This pays for vehicle repairs and other property damage

Connecticut’s minimum UMBI coverage matches the state’s liability minimums. You can purchase higher limits, though. We strongly recommend pulling out your policy and checking exactly what protection you’ve got. Many people have no idea what their coverage actually includes until they need it.

What To Do Right After The Accident

Your actions immediately following the crash really matter. Even if you suspect the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you still need to follow these steps:

Call the police. Get an official accident report filed. This creates documentation of what happened, and you’ll need it later. Collect the other driver’s information, including their name, license plate number, and any insurance details they claim to have. Take photos of everything: the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions,and  traffic signs. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.

Don’t admit fault. Don’t sign anything at the scene. And definitely seek medical attention right away, even if you think you’re fine. Some injury symptoms don’t show up for days, and you need medical records that link your injuries directly to the accident.

Filing A Claim With Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve confirmed the other driver is uninsured, notify your insurance company immediately. You’ll file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurer will investigate to verify that the other driver truly lacks insurance and to determine who was at fault.

Expect detailed questions about the accident. They’ll request medical records, repair estimates, and other documentation. While your insurer should protect your interests. Remember, they’re still running a business. They want to minimize what they pay out.

That’s where things get tricky. Our Hartford car accident lawyers can review any settlement offers to make sure they’re actually fair. Insurance companies often lowball their initial offers, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve.

Can You Sue The Uninsured Driver Directly?

Yes, Connecticut law allows you to sue an uninsured driver personally for damages. But is it worth it? Usually not.

Most uninsured drivers lack insurance precisely because they can’t afford it. Even if you win a judgment in court, collecting money from someone with limited assets is nearly impossible. You can’t squeeze blood from a stone.

Your UM coverage almost always provides the most realistic path to actual compensation. That said, every case is different. Sometimes, pursuing the at-fault driver personally does make sense, particularly if they have significant assets or other resources. We can help you figure out whether that’s a viable option in your situation.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters Too

Underinsured motorist coverage works similarly to UM coverage, but it applies when the other driver has insurance that just doesn’t cover your full damages.

Think about it this way: the at-fault driver carries only Connecticut’s state minimum of $25,000 per person. Your medical bills and lost wages total $75,000. Their insurance maxes out at $25,000, leaving you $50,000 short. Your UIM coverage fills that gap.

Connecticut requires insurers to offer UIM coverage alongside UM protection. According to Connecticut General Statutes Section 38a-336, these coverages work together to protect accident victims from inadequately insured drivers. It’s worth having both.

How Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP Can Help

Dealing with insurance companies after getting hit by an uninsured driver involves layers of paperwork, negotiations, and strict deadlines. Miss one deadline and you could lose your right to compensation entirely.

At Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP, we handle these claims regularly. We understand how insurance companies evaluate UM claims, what tactics they use to reduce payouts, and how to counter those tactics effectively.

We’ll review your insurance policy to understand your coverage limits. We’ll gather evidence to support your claim. We’ll negotiate with adjusters who try to minimize what you’re owed. And we’ll protect your rights throughout the entire process.

If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, our Hartford car accident lawyers can assess your situation and explain your options in plain language. Contact us to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve