Data available from the Insurance Information Institute indicates that approximately 22% of all drivers in Washington are uninsured. This places Washington amongst the leading states for uninsured drivers across the country.
If you are struck by an uninsured driver, the incident needs to proceed forward like any other car accident. You need to call 911 and let the police conduct an investigation. Do not leave the scene of the accident if the other driver does not have insurance. You need to get as much information as possible, including taking pictures of everything that you see (injuries, vehicle damage, license plate numbers, debris in skid marks, etc.).
There are a few ways to recover compensation if you are injured or sustained property damage caused by an uninsured driver. First, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance carrier. Additionally, if you have collision or personal injury protection coverage as part of your policy, this can help pay for damage to your vehicle as well as any necessary medical bills you may incur.
It may also be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but the reality is that most uninsured drivers will not have the personal assets available to pay any judgment against them.