Getting hit by an uninsured driver can leave victims paying thousands in medical bills and car repairs for accidents they didn’t cause, according to insurance industry data showing a growing problem on American roads.

More than one in seven drivers nationwide lack insurance coverage, representing 15.4 percent of all motorists, according to a 2023 report by the Insurance Research Council. The problem has worsened significantly, with IRC data showing one in three drivers are either uninsured or underinsured, marking a ten percentage point increase since 2017.

“In some areas, uninsured drivers make up a quarter of all drivers,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert at Clearsurance.com. The prevalence means drivers encounter multiple uninsured motorists during routine trips around town.

When accidents involve uninsured drivers, victims face complex insurance claim processes that differ from standard collision procedures. Without proper coverage, drivers could pay out-of-pocket expenses for accidents they didn’t cause, creating significant financial hardship.

The immediate aftermath of such accidents requires specific steps to protect victims’ interests. After ensuring medical needs are addressed and calling law enforcement, all parties must exchange information including driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, registration names, and insurance details, even when one driver lacks coverage, according to Musson.

“Getting law enforcement involved ensures that an official record of the accident is filed, especially if one of the drivers lacks insurance,” Musson explained. Victims should document the accident scene thoroughly, including photos, location details, time, weather conditions, and witness information if available.

Chad Watwood, an attorney at LawBike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, advises contacting insurance companies immediately following accidents. “Contact your insurance company right away, they can help you understand your next steps,” Watwood said. Obtaining copies of police reports becomes crucial, as these documents indicate whether at-fault drivers carry insurance coverage.

Uninsured drivers typically face citations depending on local jurisdiction requirements, according to Watwood. However, citations don’t resolve the financial burden placed on accident victims.

The financial responsibility for damages remains with at-fault drivers even without insurance coverage. “They should still pay for the damages,” Musson noted. However, collecting payment from uninsured motorists often proves difficult or impossible.

Protection comes through specific insurance coverage types that most policies include or offer as options. Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist insurance fills coverage gaps when at-fault drivers cannot pay for damages they cause.

Uninsured Motorist coverage typically includes two components. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury insurance, usually packaged with basic uninsured motorist coverage, covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term disability, and funeral expenses. This coverage is mandatory or strongly recommended in every state.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage handles vehicle repair costs when at-fault drivers lack insurance and cannot pay for damages. However, this coverage isn’t available in all states. Some states require collision insurance instead, which covers vehicle repairs minus deductibles.

The coverage works by filling gaps between what other drivers’ insurance pays and actual damage costs. “UIM-BI and UM-PD usually cover medical payments, collision repairs or even health insurance,” Watwood explained.

Understanding policy coverage details becomes critical for drivers seeking protection against uninsured motorists. Without appropriate coverage, accident victims face potentially devastating financial consequences through no fault of their own.

The rising number of uninsured and underinsured drivers makes this protection increasingly important for all motorists. As insurance experts note, encountering uninsured drivers has become a common occurrence rather than an unlikely scenario, making proper coverage essential for financial security on the road.