Rhode Island state law clearly requires all drivers to carry insurance. To register your vehicle and legally drive on public roads, you need to have proof of liability coverage both for bodily injury and property damage you cause to other people.
Unfortunately, there are always people who refuse to follow even the most basic rules. Thousands of drivers in Rhode Island let their insurance policies lapse, putting everyone else at risk if they cause a crash.
What can you do if you get hurt in a wreck caused by a driver without insurance?
You can make a claim against your own insurance policy
If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you may be able to make a claim against your own policy when an uninsured driver leaves you with thousands of dollars in losses. Collision coverage, for example, could cover the cost of damage to your vehicle.
Uninsured driver coverage can also be very valuable, as it can reimburse you for everything the other driver’s policy should have covered. Of course, making a claim is only an option if you have a robust policy. Otherwise, you will have to default to the other option for compensation.
You can bring a civil claim against the other driver
Rhode Island state law allows those who suffer significant injuries to hold the responsible party accountable for their financial losses. A personal injury lawsuit can help reimburse you for your wages and costly medical bills.
Knowing your rights after a serious motor vehicle collision can limit how much of a loss you suffer because of your crash.