A lawyer's thoughts on uninsured drivers

[Fcnrwy]

I think drving without these basics is the least problem with these kind of people.
There lives are totally messed up.. they have not been brought up right, to function in society..

Jerry

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[MakinDoForNow]

And a very large population that needs to drive, seemingly.

I see many local comments on NextDoor when this topic comes up and the related driving with 1-3 yr old expired temp tags - it's not even that they are poor so much as not doing due diligence.
Many share that they weren't aware they would have to pay taxes upon registration, they assumed contained in the loan, didn't read their paperwork, and then insurance was higher than they thought because they didn't get quotes first, ect, ect - all resulting in they are outside their budget and skip the insurance, and registering.

I'm sure if that much thought was given to those expenses - they probably didn't account for the loan payments correctly (thanks Drive-Time for seemingly making it so simple), or maintenance expenses, or how to get a more trustworthy used vehicle.

The aspect of society to deal with things at the last moment or make short-notice decisions, just because it's possible, sometimes right on your phone - doesn't mean it's smart short or long term with all things.

When I see local surveys in certain neighborhoods, where the newspaper (online actually) pulled in stats regarding avg household income and working people - and they answered they are living paycheck to paycheck or similar - someone likely didn't take advantage of any available financial classes in high school or college, and sorta helped themselves into that situation.

Yes there are surprises and inflation, and restrictions on always making ends meet. But some people don't help themselves.

I sold real estate for years and it was not unheard of to rent furniture for people living with a couch, tv, cheap table and 4-6 chairs, sleeping bags or air mattresses. Some making well over $80k/yr.

 

[Snox801]

Certainly, uninsured motorists are a huge problem and represent a danger for all of us as road users. The old saying goes, "Drive it like you stole it" is much more common among those who have nothing to lose and are largely uninsured/unregistered and unlicensed.
Other first world countries use speed and registration cameras to catch those who jeopardize other road users but are not in use here for some reason. I have been a victim of these drivers and one hit-and-run.
I have heard that it is because we have a very large population of poor folks compared to other first world countries such as Canada or Australia.

I don’t believe that’s true. Even our “poor” are significantly more wealthy than other countries.

 

[colinl]

prisons are full of drug and serious offenses. there is absolutely no chance anyone goes to jail for minor crimes that do not involve personal injuries... and even in the case of death - like a hit and run fatality- you'll get only 2 or 3 years in most states.

I believe the OP suggested impound because that is more effective than judgements against the person, taking their vehicle so they have no choice but to stop driving without insurance.

the major problem with seizure is that police departments and local governments in general often use it aggressively it as a funding source, but I'm sure someone could find a solution to that. an obvious solution is paying into a fund that then periodically reimburses those who have losses from uninsured drivers is a start. or directly to the specific person, but I think that's not without problems either.

 

[25XLT]

I don’t believe that’s true. Even our “poor” are significantly more wealthy than other countries.

Absolutely but I was comparing to other first world countries. Apples to apples.

 

[dochawk]

I believe the OP suggested impound because that is more effective than judgements against the person, taking their vehicle so they have no choice but to stop driving without insurance.

that would be a secondary effect, yes.

The primary purpose would be to sell to pay for at least part of damages caused.

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

My opinion on uninsured motorists is that if they cause an accident, they owe restitution to the victim whether it be via insurance, their bank account, or future wages. They owe the victim.

 

[Milton Jeff]

I don’t believe that’s true. Even our “poor” are significantly more wealthy than other countries.

Absolutely but I was comparing to other first world countries. Apples to apples.

Interesting rankings of standard of living, mostly countries at the top that are more of a socialist bent, ie highly developed healthcare, income levels, and educational standards.

https://www.datapandas.org/ranking/standard-of-living-by-country

 

[Snox801]

Interesting rankings of standard of living, mostly countries at the top that are more of a socialist bent, ie highly developed healthcare, income levels, and educational standards.

https://www.datapandas.org/ranking/standard-of-living-by-country

Would be curious what and how they collect data. Also can’t help but noticed all those countries also seem to rely on others for military protection. Of course they have the spare change.
Not that it matter but what question they ask and how also matter. I’m not sure of to many other countries that have as robust of safety net as we do.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

 

[Suzukiridr14]

We honestly wouldn’t need all the safe guards if more lawyers and judges would actually sue people without insurance. Most people don’t get it because they know nothing will come of it if something happens.
people with stuff to lose have insurance. Those that don’t skip it. Both accidents I had that were not my fault. Neither had insurance. My insurance would not go after the guys for settlements because they didn’t have any money

I thought well no shot they are 20 yo but that judgement follows them. If or when they become gainfully employed. Get the money out of them. As of now they face no consequences.

This is a big problem in Florida. Most of us get "uninsured motorest" coverage, but that only covers medical expensives, does not cover damage to your vehicle. If you have medical coverage you don't need uninsured motorest, and can save on your policy by dropping it.

 

[FreedomPenguin]

This is a big problem in Florida. Most of us get "uninsured motorest" coverage, but that only covers medical expensives, does not cover damage to your vehicle. If you have medical coverage you don't need uninsured motorest, and can save on your policy by dropping it.

Uninsured in Ohio my policy covers up to 7500 vehicle damage

I don’t carry comprehensive on my crummy car

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