What Are You Supposed to Do if You’re Hit By a Driver with No Insurance?

If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance (or is underinsured), what are your legal options?

This video features JD Smith, a car accident attorney in Seattle with the Law Office of JD Smith, PLLC. He has been a Super Lawyer from 2007 to 2019, and he was the recipient of the Professionalism Award from the Washington State Association of Justice.

He is also a former insurance claims rep, so he knows all the tricks the insurance company uses to protect their own interests.

Contact JD Smith directly at 888-981-0015.

Video Transcript:

Rob Rosenthal:

JD Smith:
Similar to PIP and med pay, uninsured motorists are often called UIM is a required coverage in Washington, but it can be waived like with PIP. I would urge you not to waive the UIM coverage because when a driver doesn't have insurance or enough insurance, your insurance company stands in the shoes of that at-fault driver and all the damages that would be available based on the conduct of the bad driver or at-fault driver, your own insurance company would pay those and then they themselves can decide if they have any recourse, if they want to go after the person. Most of the time they don't. But it allows you to be compensated and you don't have to be a collection agency to chase the person that caused harm to you.

Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.