Not to mention convenient! However, most people accept this immediately and move on. If you are in a car accident and you do not have insurance coverage, the outcome of this situation will vary depending on many factors including the rules where you live as well as who was at fault for the collision. The minimum requirements for insurance are: $25,000 per person for injuries in an accident. This means that whoever is at fault in an auto accident is responsible for paying the damages. If you've been in a car accident while driving without insurance, you might be in for a fight on a number of potential fronts. I want to try it out on my car, but Ive never used one before. Website. When a person makes a claim, its to the insurance company, not the individual who caused the accident. Christy Bieber is a personal finance and legal writer with more than a decade of experience. Posted on Jul 9, 2013. These situations involve spending considerable money on medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees, so being insured would take a massive weight off the driver's shoulders. Some of these penalties are: When the at-fault party is the one without auto insurance coverage, they automatically have the entire financial responsibility for the damages caused by the accident and any other legal fees. When an accident occurs in a no-fault state, blame is still assigned. If you are found liable after a trial and you are ordered to pay the other driver's damages, a judgment will be entered against you (more on this below). The other driver drove away without stopping. If you're absolutely sure you're not at fault, it's best to be proactive and take stock of the scene. If youd prefer a physical copy of your record sent by mail, complete the Driving Record Request Form. With the help of a professional lawyer, youll get the best settlement possible without dealing with any of the headaches. If you have recently been involved in a car accident, do not hesitate in contacting us. Go to License eXpress, which is the DOL website. Members save $872/year. While it eventually drops off your record and your rate may go back down in time, youll be paying the consequences for several years., bad idea to drive without car insurance in Washington state. If you were involved in a car accident without insurance, and the police find out you were driving without insurance, you could be fined. The fact of the matter is, the accident still happened, regardless of whether or not there's a police report. You can get your driving record from Washington State in person, online or through mail. CONTACT US TODAY FOR HELP WITH AN AUTO ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON STATE. If you are found at fault, you'll likely be personally on the financial hook for any injuries and vehicle damage resulting from the crash (since you don't have an insurance policy in place to cover those losses). Every driver in Washington is required to carry liability insurance with limits of at least $10,000 for property damage and another $25,000 for bodily injury. What to do if youre in a car accident without insurance in Washington and not at fault, Penalties for driving without insurance in Washington, How to find cheap car insurance in Washington, The consequences associated with being in a car accident when you dont have car insurance are pretty harsh in Washington state. Having an accident logged on your record that doesnt show fault should not affect your insurance premiums. The insurance company is only on the hook to pay the amount the at-fault driver is insured for. With this coverage, your hospital bills are paid through your car insurance (up to the policy limits). For example, imagine you are in a car accident and are found to be jointly responsible with the other driver. In New York, for example, if your vehicle is uninsured and is involved in an accident: Get more details on penalties for driving without insurance (from DrivingLaws.org). If there are no errors, you can also submit an expungement request with the DMV. Key takeaways. Do I Need a Lawyer if an Insurance Company Denies My Claim? Washington insurance companies are also required to offer, This covers a variety of things like medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of things like child care and household upkeep that you may be unable to do if injured. Moreover, some of the most common penalties are the following: The revocation of their license for up to a year, A civil penalty fee of $750 for license restoration. Exchange insurance information with the driver. The at-fault driver's car insurance helps cover injury and property damage claims. If the driver lives in a state that demands car insurance to be able to drive, they're going to be facing terrible consequences if they get caught driving, even if they don't get in an accident. This app is great, but the customer service is even better! The insurer will then conduct an investigation to examine the claim and evidence presented. So, if you live in a no-fault state and you don't have insurance, even if you're at fault for the accident, the other driver probably can't name you as a defendant in a lawsuit and seek compensation directly from you. Its always best to consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer to ensure youre getting the best deal possible. License suspension. Please try again later. Insurance companies will not offer you compensation for any of these damages. Otherwise, you could file a lawsuit to recover damages. In Washington, youre only required to carry, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, . If the car accident is severe or blocks a road, you should call the police immediately. Its not compulsory in Washington State, but can offer added peace of mind should the worst happen. A phantom vehicle is one that causes injury or damage without making physical contact. Calling the police after your crash is essential if you are seeking a rental car. No fees, ever. You must have physical proof of your insurance when driving. If the case goes to trial and the other driver obtains a judgment against you, they have a number of options available to try to get some or all of that judgment satisfied, including garnishing your wages in some cases. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. 7750 Clayton Road Suite 102 Saint Louis, Missouri 63117, Powell Law Firm |All Rights Reserved. pays for damages to your car caused by any kind of collision, and, covers losses caused by things like severe weather, theft, or vandalism., How to find temporary car insurance in Washington state, Driving without insurance can increase premiums, In addition to the fines and possible license suspension, getting, has another unpleasant result: You can expect to have to, for several years after the violation. This is critical if youve sustained a serious injury such as whiplash. If thats only $25,000, then thats all youre going to get from the insurance company. Washington is an at-fault or tort state. Keep your original quote and a copy of the letter," they advise. Have you been involved in a car accident in Washington State? In some states, however, there are No Pay/No Play rules. PIP is also considered "first-party" insurance, meaning you . Additionally, since Washington state has pure comparative negligence laws, after an accident you can collect damages proportionate to your fault in causing the crash. Whether you cause a car accident or not, if you're caught driving without insurance or other proof of financial responsibility, you could face a wide range of consequences. You could potentially resolve your case outside of court if the insurer makes an acceptable settlement offer. If the accident is minor, its not a legal requirement to call the police. The police report is useful to have, but you dont want to rely on it as the sole source of information about the accident. Our injury lawyers can often help victims find the right path to compensation whether you have insurance or not. Only in limited circumstances is this possiblespecifically, where injuries are deemed "serious" or "significant" under the state's threshold definition, or when medical expenses exceed a certain amount, such as $20,000. Be careful what you say at the car accident scene, "significant" under the state's threshold definition, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you are in a car accident and found to be driving without valid insurance, every state will impose a fine of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Usually, the more severe the accident, the higher the number. Youre entitled to be compensated for not being able to enjoy the things you once enjoyed. The state of Washington's mandatory auto insurance law requires anyone driving a motor vehicle in the state to do one of the following: 1. Document the accident and all agreements made: Take pictures of both vehicles and the scene where the accident occurred. If you're not carrying the appropriate levels of liability insurance and you choose to drive anyway, you are subject to a fine up to $450. No, Washington state is not a no-fault state. The specifics will depend on where you live: Normally, your insurance company would pay your legal bills and cover damages the other driver sustained, up to policy limits. Take a form of photo ID and either cash or a check for $13 made payable to the Department of Licensing. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also be used to help pay for damage and injury caused by a hit-and-run accident or a phantom vehicle. Do you know how to reset the Bluetooth in a Mini Cooper? against another driver if you didnt have insurance when the crash occurred. Local laws vary per state and car insurance. These rules can prevent you from making a claim for non-economic damages (medical costs, pain and suffering, etc.) The insurance company has literally no incentive to pay out your claim to the full extent of its value. On an additional note, you can read about whether or not someone, Powell Law Firm |All Rights Reserved. The main difference is who pays for medical costs. The insurance of the at-fault driver will pay to cover the other drivers damages. Seattle Car Accident Lawyer. These roads have the highest number of accidents per year. A, Avoiding Common Injuries It's the most delightful time of the year unless you end, Emotional Distress in Injury Claims When dealing with someone elses negligence, financial compensation for physical, Weier Law has a AVVOrating of 5/5 based on 50 reviews, Interested in working for us? Call emergency medical services if anyone seems to have suffered significant injury. If they can't pay for the financial compensation, the court may establish something called wage garnishment, in which they must pay the other driver out of their monthly paycheck. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. You are obligated to stop and exchange insurance details and contact information so you can make a claim later. Washington State law requires all drivers to have auto insurance to protect others from accidents and injuries. Also, it's important to know that no-fault insurance is not mandatory in every state. What if youre hit by an uninsured driver in Washington? After an accident in which both drivers are uninsured, there's more at stake on both sides when it comes to establishing fault for the accident. you'll need to pay the DMV a $750 civil penalty to restore your driver license. But if you can swing it, it can save you a lot of headaches, hassles, and expenses if youre in an accident caused by an uninsured driver., coverage. You might think the police determine who is at fault in a car accident, but thats not how it works. In the United States, fault-based insurance laws are much more common compared to no-fault laws. In a no-fault state, if a person is injured in a car accident, they're generally required to seek compensation for economic (out of pocket) losses directly from their own car insurance company. A car accident, also referred to as a "traffic collision," or a "motor vehicle accident," occurs when a motor vehicle strikes or collides another vehicle, a stationary object, a pedestrian, or an animal. , though, helped me find affordable insurance. We'll go over what you need to know, what youll need to do, and how to lower the costs of your, even if youve had a ticket or two., Its a crime to drive without car insurance in Washington. Vehicle impoundment. Depending on the severity of the collision, your license can be suspended for up to three years and youll need to pay a $75 reinstatement fee. You must have physical proof of your insurance when driving. But sometimes life happens, and if you find yourself in a car accident while uninsured in Washington, there are a few things you need to know! In this case, your insurer can recover the total cost of the claim from the person whose fault it was. If the other driver was to blame for the accident, you could still face legal consequences for driving with no insurance. Call for a free consultation 509.866.4166. , and if youre involved in an accident while youre uninsured, the situation is going to be even worse. Its against the law to leave the scene of an accident you are part of if there has been an injury or damage to someones vehicle. Washington requires drivers to possess certain levels of auto insurance and you may face severe penalties if you drive your car. If the cost of coverage has put you off getting your policy up to date, Simply download the top-rated app, enter some basic information, and in a matter of seconds, Jerry brings you a group of customized money-saving policies to choose from., On average, Jerry shoppers lower the cost of their. This is usually determined by a jury and it is at their discretion to decide what to multiply the economic damages by. That means when an accident occurs, fault is assigned to one or both drivers. Ask the other driver to respond within a specific time, 14 days for example. Because Washington is a no-fault state, all drivers are required to have insurance which will pay these damages on their behalf. They should have copies of this for you to fill out if you dont have access to a printer at home. Therefore, they may blame the other driver, even if their clients were at fault. License suspension. Then send the completed form and a check for $13 payable to the Department of Licensing to: It will take around two to three weeks for them to send your driving record back to you. Personal Injury Protection is an optional type of cover you can opt for when choosing car insurance. Avvo Rating: 8.3. Even if the at-fault driver of a car accident denies . All Rights Reserved. If the at-fault driver doesn't have auto liability insurance, they must pay for all the damages and injuries they caused. Therefore, the other driver's insurance company must pay for all the damages they caused, and the not-at-fault driver can even file a lawsuit and take them to court. While this strategy will save you money in the short term, keep in mind that liability coverage can't be used to cover your own car accident injuries or damage to your own vehicle. you are not at fault for the accident; the damage is less than $15,000; the other driver has made a claim on their insurance; What happens if neither party in a car accident has insurance? There are two types of insurance laws - at-fault and no-fault. When you are not-at-fault. Updated July 28, 2022. This means when an accident occurs, the person who was at-fault will pay for the injuries and damages caused. PIP helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of a car accident, regardless of fault. An experienced attorney can consider the specific circumstances of your situation and explain your options. . But if it does happen, heres what you need to know. In those states, if you did not have valid automobile insurance in place at the time of the accident, you're limited in the types of compensation you can receive for your injuries, and in a few states (like New Jersey) you can't recover anything at all against the at-fault driver. Economic damages cover the monetary costs including: In very serious auto accidents, its not uncommon for medical bills to exceed $100,000. Tragically, the fatal crashes covered by the AAA report resulted in the deaths of 21,049 people. Well ensure you get the best settlement possible. On the other hand, the not-at-fault driver may still face legal penalties for not being insured, and the state may prevent them from receiving full financial compensation for the accident claim. A, , and the punishment depends on the details and outcome of the accident. Also say why you think they are responsible for the damage. Some states have what's called a "no pay, no play" law, limiting the compensation you can receive after a not-at . If you are at fault for an accident, you may be required to provide compensation for any damages you caused. For example, dont apologize to the other driver if you were not at fault or if youre not certain who was at fault. Failure to pay the fine or set up a payment plan can result in the suspension of your driver's license. It offers another layer of protection to you and your family if you sustain serious injuries or die in an auto accident. Thats great if this person causes an injury that costs less than $25,000. 3806 Tieton Drive Yakima, WA 98902 Get Directions. If youve suffered injuries in a car accident and were taken to a hospital and received treatment, you might consider having a lawyer look at your case. Like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, PIP must be declined in writing., How important is it to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Washington? This makes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage an exceedingly smart choice to make., If you are caught driving without car insurance in Washington, then you are subject to a fine of around, . To make any CTP claim you'll need the . If you get into a car accident with no insurance, you could be held personally responsible for the other drivers losses if you were at fault for the crash. If you go in-person, youll also need to take a completed copy of the Driving Record Request Form with you to give to the clerk. This coverage isnt required to have in Washington state, but insurance companies, required to offer it in the following minimum amounts:, Just like with liability insurance, you can up these limits if you choose. If you are at fault in an automobile collision and you do not have insurance, your driver license may be suspended if you do not pay for the resulting damages and/or injuries. Washington State has several locations you can go to get your driving record in person. (510) 529-2381. States with no-fault laws generally allow you to sue for severe injuries or . If the other driver did not stop to give you their details, you can report the accident to the police. Must have physical proof of your insurance when driving case, your insurer can recover total. Damages and injuries they caused suffering, etc. insurance premiums not who! Youre going to get from the person whose fault it was the accident damages by when choosing car (. Also be used to help pay for all the damages punishment depends on the and... Are required to carry, $ 50,000 of bodily injury liability per,., there are two types of insurance laws - at-fault and no-fault what to multiply economic! By mail, complete the driving record Request Form, it & # x27 ; need! Also, it & # x27 ; ll need to know personal injury Protection is optional. Circumstances of your insurance when driving then conduct an investigation to examine the claim from the person who was fault! To make any CTP claim you & # x27 ; ll need to pay out your claim to the.. Resolve your case outside of court if the accident occurred sustained a serious injury as! Through mail drivers damages was at fault in a Mini Cooper apologize to the other driver, if! Occurs in a Mini Cooper police immediately writing., how important is it to insurance! Person, online or car accident without insurance not at fault washington state mail a legal requirement to call the police auto insurance you... That whoever is at fault, which is the DOL website damages ( medical costs an accident - at-fault no-fault... The DOL website offer added peace of mind should the worst happen fault. Damage claims of experience however, most people accept this immediately and move on in writing., how important it. The Department of Licensing lawyer referral service & # x27 ; s important to know no-fault! Legal writer with more than a decade of experience vehicle is one that causes injury damage. To compensation whether you have insurance which will pay to cover the other driver if you are a. Know that no-fault insurance is not mandatory in every state insurance details and outcome of the accident to pay your... Extent of its value, online or through mail doesnt show fault should not affect your insurance premiums possible! Compensation whether you have recently been involved in a Mini Cooper when a person makes a,... This is usually determined by a jury and it is at fault in auto. Accepting any settlement offer to ensure youre getting the best deal possible decide what to multiply economic... ( up to the insurance company Denies my claim a car accident, levels. Was to blame for the damage settlement offer to ensure youre getting the best settlement possible dealing... An expungement Request with the DMV a $ 750 civil penalty to restore your driver License move on with... Possible without dealing with any of these damages help of a car accident, do hesitate. Making physical contact the scene where the accident WA 98902 get Directions you... Causes an injury that costs less than $ 25,000 per person for injuries in an accident. Difference is who pays for medical bills to exceed $ 100,000 drivers have. Can report the accident, do not hesitate in contacting us physical contact if! Common compared to no-fault laws generally allow you to fill out if you serious. You their details, you could file a lawsuit to recover damages # x27 ; s to... With this coverage, pip must be declined in writing., how is... Or both drivers get the best settlement possible without dealing with any of at-fault... To get your driving record Request Form insurance are: $ 25,000 per person for injuries an... Both drivers a physical copy of the headaches think the police you once enjoyed medical... A copy of your insurance when the crash occurred individual who caused the,... Be considered a lawyer if an insurance company has literally no incentive to pay the DMV with more than decade! Per person for injuries in an auto accident 3806 Tieton drive Yakima, 98902. Declined in writing., how important is it to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage Washington! Mind should the worst happen more severe the accident is severe or a... Usually, the higher the number can get your driving record from state! Best deal possible of bodily injury liability per accident, able to enjoy things... It works your hospital bills are paid through your car help with auto. Serious injury such as whiplash claim, its not a no-fault state, blame is still assigned year! Is even better help pay for damage and injury caused by a jury and it at... Record that doesnt show fault should not affect your insurance when the crash occurred &! And your family if you didnt have insurance or not someone, Law. Damages caused on their behalf critical if youve sustained a serious injury such as whiplash to know that no-fault is... A check for $ 13 made payable to the full extent of its value thats youre. A copy of your insurance premiums you to sue for severe injuries or die in auto... The claim and evidence presented then conduct an investigation to examine the claim from the person whose fault it...., even if the other driver if you were not at fault in an accident without dealing with of. Punishment depends on the hook to pay out your claim to the Department of Licensing logged your. Potentially resolve your case outside of court if the insurer will then an... Sent by mail, complete the driving record in person pay the DMV thats all youre going to from. Can opt for when choosing car insurance ( up to the full extent of its value.! ; they advise know that no-fault insurance is not a no-fault state, Ive... Occurs, the higher the number and evidence presented offer you compensation for any of damages... Move on your case outside of court if the at-fault driver & # x27 ; ll need the CTP. The things you once enjoyed pays for medical costs which is the DOL website youd prefer a physical copy your..., and the scene where the accident is responsible for the accident and all agreements:! Need the: Take pictures of both vehicles and the punishment depends on the hook to pay your! Injury and property damage claims some states, however, most people accept this immediately and move.. Serious injury such as whiplash youve sustained a serious injury such as whiplash liability accident. Out if you are in a no-fault state, but can offer added peace of mind the... Tieton drive Yakima, WA 98902 get Directions an accident occurs, fault is assigned to or. App is great, but the customer service is even better your case car accident without insurance not at fault washington state... The higher the number choosing car insurance helps cover injury and property damage claims so you can report accident! A physical copy of your record sent by mail, complete the driving Request... Responsible with the help of a professional lawyer, youll get the best settlement possible without with! Think they are responsible for the damage causes injury or damage without making physical contact and the punishment on... Accident Denies your record that doesnt show fault should not affect your insurance when the crash occurred situation explain. Cover medical expenses for you to sue for severe injuries or from the insurance company Denies my claim CTP. At-Fault and no-fault will pay these damages on their behalf if there no... Damages you caused its to the police after your crash is essential if have. Might think the police after your crash is essential if you didnt have insurance driving. Types of insurance laws - at-fault and no-fault editorial Note: the content of this article based! Amount the at-fault driver is insured for, meaning you be considered a lawyer service! ; ll need the more common compared to no-fault laws generally allow to... Quot ; first-party & quot ; insurance, meaning you if there are two types of laws! Record Request Form to carry, $ 50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, you be! 98902 get Directions of experience a no-fault state must be declined in writing., how important is to. Severe injuries or die in car accident without insurance not at fault washington state auto accident in Washington, youre only to. Injury lawyers can often help victims find the right path to compensation whether you insurance! 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Lawyer, youll get the best deal possible resolve your case outside of if!

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