What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Idaho

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. But when you find out the person who hit you doesn’t have insurance, things can feel even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, this situation is more common than you might think, and it can leave you worried how you’ll cover your medical bills, car repairs, or lost wages. 

If you’re wondering what happens if an uninsured driver hits you, I’m here to help. As a Boise personal injury attorney, I’ve helped many Idahoans navigate uninsured driver accidents. The good news? You still have legal options, and knowing what steps to take after an uninsured driver accident can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After an Uninsured Driver Accident

1. Get Medical Attention and Stay Safe

First and foremost, make sure you and anyone else involved are safe. Call 911 and seek medical care right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries — like concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries — may not show symptoms immediately.

Getting evaluated by a doctor not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that can support your injury claim down the road.

2. Call the Police and File a Report

Always call the police after an accident with an uninsured driver. A police report provides an official record of the crash — including who was involved, how it happened, and who was at fault. This documentation can be essential, especially when there’s no insurance company on the other side to handle liability.

Be honest but brief when speaking with officers. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened, since this could be used against you. This is a common mistake in personal injury cases.

3. Gather Information at the Scene

If you’re physically able, collect as much information at the scene as possible. Even though the other driver may not have insurance, you’ll want:|

• Their name, phone number, and license plate number
• Photos of all vehicles involved, damage, road conditions, and any injuries
• Contact information for any witnesses

These details can help support your claim and strengthen your case if you need to pursue legal action or file an uninsured motorist claim.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Let them know the driver who hit you was uninsured. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), you’ll likely need to file a claim under that portion of your policy.

Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. Keep your statements factual, and avoid making assumptions or minimizing your injuries. If you’re unsure what to say or how to respond, a personal injury attorney can help guide you through the conversation.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Idaho

Idaho doesn’t require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but many policies include it by default. UM coverage helps pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other damages you’d normally pursue from the at-fault driver

You may also have medical payments coverage (MedPay), which can help cover immediate medical bills regardless of who was at fault.

If you’re not sure what coverage you have, review your policy or talk to your insurance agent. A personal injury attorney can also help you interpret your coverage and fight for what you’re entitled to.

What If You Don’t Have UM Coverage?

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, your options may be more limited — but not necessarily gone. Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

• Use your own health insurance to pay for medical treatment
• Pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver
• Identify other responsible parties or potential sources of compensation

Unfortunately, many uninsured drivers lack the financial resources to pay a judgment out-of-pocket, even if you win in court. That’s why it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney early on to explore all possible avenues.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

When you’re hit by an uninsured driver, it’s easy to feel stuck — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. These cases can quickly become complex, especially when you’re relying on your own insurance for coverage or trying to identify other possible avenues for compensation.

At Jane Gordon Law, I help clients:

• Investigate all available insurance coverage – including uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, MedPay, or any other applicable policies.
• Handle communication and negotiation with their own insurance provider – so you don’t have to deal with frustrating phone calls, red tape, or pressure to settle for less.
• Push back if a claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued – and make sure your insurer honors the coverage you’ve paid for.
• Build a strong case for maximum compensation – by gathering medical records, evidence from the scene, and expert input to support your claim.
• Identify alternative sources of compensation – such as third-party liability, umbrella policies, or filing a lawsuit if the driver has assets.

Your Local Uninsured Driver Lawyer

Getting hit by an uninsured driver can complicate things, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Whether you’re unsure how to deal with your insurance company, aren’t sure what your policy covers, or simply need someone in your corner, I’m here to help as your local Boise uninsured driver lawyer.

If you’ve been injured in a crash with an uninsured driver in Idaho, don’t wait. Reach out today for a free consultation — and let’s talk about how to protect your rights after an uninsured driver accident and get the support you deserve.