Rear-Ended by an Uninsured Driver
Today, I was rear-ended while preparing to make a right turn off a freeway exit ramp. I had come to a complete stop when the impact hit hard enough to push my car about two feet forward. The other driver quickly approached my window, apologized, and revealed that he was young and uninsured.
We exchanged information, and while I didn’t call the police at the scene initially, I later reached out to our local police department to file a report and received a CAD number. After reviewing my insurance, I discovered that I have uninsured motorist coverage for medical expenses but not for property damage. While I’m not overly worried about the car’s damage—just a paint scuff on the bumper—I’m concerned about the possibility of frame damage. The seal around the hatchback opening is noticeably lifted and doesn’t seem to want to go back into place, which makes me think there could be some underlying issues.
About 45 minutes after the accident, I began to feel tension and aching in my mid to lower back. I hadn’t planned to see a doctor at first, but now I think it’s probably a good idea to get checked out. I’m unsure what to expect in terms of medical bills and coverage, and I’m worried about potential out-of-pocket costs. Does anyone have advice? It’s been around 11 hours since the accident. I understand that feeling tense after an incident is common; should I wait a few days to see if it improves before scheduling a visit?
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident; that sounds distressing. Given that you’re experiencing pain after the incident, it’s definitely a good idea to see a doctor. Even if the injuries seem minor now, professionals can help identify any underlying issues that might not be immediately apparent.
As for the medical bills, since you have uninsured motorist coverage for medical, you should be able to use that to help cover your expenses. It’s worth checking with your insurance company about the specifics of your policy, including what is covered and any out-of-pocket costs you might be responsible for.
If you’re uncertain about seeing a doctor immediately versus waiting, it’s generally better to err on the side of caution—especially if you’re in pain. It’s not uncommon for symptoms to manifest later, so getting checked out sooner rather than later could be beneficial.
Make sure to keep a record of everything related to the accident, including the report you filed, any medical visits, and communications with your insurance company. This could be helpful if you need to deal with claims or medical bills later.
Take care of yourself, and I hope you feel better soon!