What Happens if the Other Driver Isn’t Insured in a Colorado Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but the situation becomes especially overwhelming when you discover that the other driver is not insured. Unfortunately, uninsured drivers are more common than many people realize, and Colorado motorists frequently face the difficult reality of navigating a claim without a responsible insurance carrier on the other side. If you are experiencing this situation, you may still have options for recovery. At Pribila & Fields, our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys assist injured individuals in pursuing compensation through insurance policies, legal claims, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Understanding Colorado’s Uninsured Driver Problem

Colorado requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but that does not guarantee everyone follows the law. Many drivers allow their policies to lapse, fail to maintain required coverage, or knowingly drive without insurance. When a collision occurs, an uninsured motorist cannot provide the financial protection that injured individuals need for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Even when the at-fault driver is uninsured, you are not without recourse. Colorado law provides multiple avenues for victims to seek compensation, but these options must be handled carefully, especially when insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts. Understanding how uninsured motorist claims work, and acting quickly, gives you the best chance of recovering the compensation you need.

Your Options After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

After an accident involving an uninsured driver, your options for recovery depend on the circumstances of the collision and the insurance coverage available. Although it may seem initially that there is nowhere to turn for compensation, Colorado motorists often have more protection than they realize.

The primary sources of compensation in these situations include:

• Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Most Colorado drivers carry UM coverage, which is designed specifically for accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. This coverage can compensate you for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
• Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. If the other driver has minimal insurance that does not fully cover your losses, UIM coverage can make up the difference.
• Med-pay or medical payments coverage. This optional coverage helps pay medical bills regardless of fault, providing immediate relief while your claim is being evaluated.
• A personal injury lawsuit. In rare cases, the uninsured driver may have personal assets that allow for recovery through litigation, though this option is often limited.

Because you are seeking compensation from your own insurance company, UM and UIM claims must be handled carefully. Insurance carriers may attempt to reduce or deny valid claims, making legal representation especially important.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Helps After a Crash

Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most important protections available to Colorado drivers. When the at-fault driver cannot compensate you, UM coverage steps in and takes the place of the missing insurance. This allows injured individuals to file a claim with their own insurer and pursue compensation similar to what they would have received if the at-fault driver were properly insured.

UM coverage can help pay for:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Follow-up medical treatment and physical therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term care after serious injuries

Even though the claim is filed with your own insurance company, the process is still adversarial. The insurer’s goal is to minimize the amount it pays, and adjusters may challenge medical treatment, deny parts of the claim, or offer low settlements. Working with an attorney ensures that the insurance company treats your claim fairly and evaluates your injuries accurately.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Uninsured Motorist Claims

Hit-and-run accidents are treated similarly to collisions involving uninsured drivers because, in most cases, the at-fault driver cannot be identified. When the responsible party flees the scene, the injured person is left without a driver or insurance policy to pursue. In these circumstances, UM coverage becomes essential.

Hit-and-run accidents can involve:

• A driver who leaves after causing a collision
• A driver who hits a parked vehicle and cannot be located
• A pedestrian or cyclist struck by a fleeing motorist

In Colorado, hit-and-run victims can typically file a UM claim as long as physical contact occurred and the accident is reported properly. Because insurers sometimes question the details of the crash, documenting the scene, obtaining witness statements, and contacting law enforcement immediately are critical steps.

Why You Should Avoid Handling an Uninsured Accident Claim Alone

When an uninsured driver causes your accident, the insurance company you turn to is your own, but that does not mean the process is easy or straightforward. Insurance companies may question liability, dispute the severity of injuries, or argue that certain medical treatments are not necessary. They may also attempt to close the claim quickly with a low settlement offer before the full extent of your injuries is known.

An attorney can help by:

• Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Documenting injuries and damages thoroughly
• Ensuring UM and UIM benefits are fully explored
• Negotiating for a fair settlement
• Preparing a lawsuit if the insurer fails to act in good faith

Many injured individuals do not realize that their own insurer may take a stronger stance against them during a UM claim than in other types of claims. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.

Speak With Us About Your Uninsured or Hit-and-Run Accident

Accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers create difficult challenges, but you do not have to navigate those challenges alone. At Pribila & Fields, we represent injured individuals throughout Colorado Springs who are facing complex insurance situations and need clear guidance. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, if your own insurance company is delaying your claim, or if you were injured in a hit-and-run, our team is ready to help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. To speak with us about your situation, please contact us today.