Wondering what to do if you’re injured by an uninsured driver? Learn your legal options, how to file a claim, and protect your rights after the accident.

Getting into a car accident is already a serious situation. But when the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have insurance, it can make things much worse. You might wonder how you’ll pay for medical bills or what steps to take next. Consulting an accident attorney near me can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Thankfully, there are a few ways to seek compensation, even if the at-fault driver is uninsured or unknown.
Options for Getting Compensation
If you’ve been injured by a driver who has no insurance, or if it was a hit-and-run, you still have some options. These include:
- Using special coverage in your insurance policy
- Applying for help through a government program
- Taking legal action directly against the driver
- Each of these options has its process, benefits, and limitations.
Special Insurance Coverage
Most drivers in Alberta have something called “uninsured coverage” in their insurance plan. This type of coverage is meant to help if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance. In such cases, your insurance company might pay for your injuries and then try to recover the money from the at-fault driver.
But this option doesn’t work for everyone. For example, if you were walking or biking when you were hit, this coverage might not apply. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer to help you figure out the best way to move forward and get the money you need for your recovery.
Help From the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program
In Alberta, there is also a program that helps people injured by uninsured or unidentified drivers. This program was created to make sure accident victims are not left without support just because the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
However, this program only helps in certain situations and has limits:
- It covers injuries only, not property damage like a broken car.
- It applies only if the other driver was at fault.
- If more than one driver caused the crash, you must try to claim from those with insurance first.
- The total amount the program can pay is $200,000. If multiple people are injured, this amount is shared based on how badly each person was hurt.
This program is usually a last resort, used only when no other insurance is available.
How to Apply for Government Support
To apply for help from the program, you’ll need to:
- Check for any other insurance options.
- Speak to your insurer about covering emergency medical bills.
- File a complaint against the person responsible for the accident.
- Send an official notice of the lawsuit to that person.
- Getting legal help is strongly recommended, as the process can be complicated.
Final Advice
If you’re injured by an uninsured or unknown driver, it’s important to act quickly. Report the accident, get medical attention, and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you toward the best way to get fair compensation for your injuries.