An uninsured motorist is a driver who does not have a valid auto insurance policy. Under Rhode Island law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without auto insurance.
The Problem of Uninsured Motorists
It is appalling to note the percentage of drivers in Rhode Island who operate without auto insurance coverage. According to the state's Division of Motor Vehicles, 15 to 18 percent of about 950,000 registered vehicles in Rhode Island are uninsured. The only way the state identified these uninsured drivers now is when they get involved in an auto accident or during a traffic stop when they are asked for their license and registration by a police officer.
During a two-year period between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2012, there were 18,176 citations issued in the state for operating without insurances, according to state court records. That number
does not even include the number suspended administratively by the DMV. Last year, Rhode Island enacted legislation that will allow the DMV to hire a third-party contractor to develop and uninsured motorist identification database, and send warning notices to motorists who do not have the minimum insurance required by law. Under this legislation, motorists who remain uninsured after two warning notices would get their vehicle registrations revoked and would have to pay a $250 administrative fee in addition to any other fines or penalties imposed by law.
What Can Injured Victims Do?
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you can collect uninsured motorist benefits from your own auto insurance policy. If you were a passenger in someone else's vehicle, his or her uninsured motorist coverage can also help pay for your losses. You may also collect from policies on automobiles owned by members of your household. Such compensation would usually cover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and mental anguish. The same also applies to those who are injured by underinsured motorists, who lack sufficient insurance coverage to compensate victims for their losses.
These facts underscore the importance of getting uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, although it is not mandated by state law. While liability insurance protects other parties, it does not really protect you and your family members. Uninsured motorist coverage on the other hand protects you and members of your household in the event any of you are hit and injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Remember, in Rhode Island, you can stack your underinsured motorist coverage on top of the liability insurance paid out by the at-fault driver's insurance company.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, it is also important that you seek the counsel and guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer who will help you analyze all possible options and avenues for fair compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can also help you avoid the pitfalls during the course of a complex claims process.
