Was uninsured when someone backed into me — can I still go after their insurance?

I was uninsured during a fender bender once and honestly panicked thinking I had zero options. Turns out your insurance status doesn't automatically determine who was at fault — those are two separate things. I ended up being able to pursue the other driver's property damage coverage. It wasn't fast or easy but it happened. Don't assume you're out of luck just because you didn't have coverage.

Former adjuster here. The fact that you were uninsured will absolutely come up, but for a straight property damage claim it's usually less of a factor than people think. What adjusters will try to do is use it to rattle you — make you feel like you have no standing so you either go away or accept a lowball. The garage footage is huge. I cannot stress this enough: find out who manages that property and send a written request TODAY to preserve any camera footage. Most systems overwrite automatically within a week or two.

The fact that they called you once and then went radio silent? Classic. They're not busy, they're waiting you out. Some people just give up and that's a win for them. Don't let the silence make you feel powerless — it's a tactic.

A few things worth knowing: being uninsured typically affects your own coverage options (which you didn't have anyway), but it generally doesn't bar you from making a third-party claim against the at-fault driver's liability policy. That said, some states have laws that can complicate or limit uninsured drivers' ability to recover — it really varies. Worth at least getting a free consultation with a PI attorney so you know exactly where you stand in your state before you say anything else to that insurance company.

Stop calling and leaving voicemails. Send a written demand letter via certified mail — return receipt requested. Date it, describe the incident, state that you believe their insured was at fault, and say you're requesting they contact you within a specific number of days. Paper trail matters. Voicemails disappear.

Not legal advice, but I'll say this: fault and insurance status are independent questions. If the other driver caused the accident, their liability coverage exists to compensate people they harm — including uninsured ones in most situations. The citation you received is a separate matter from the civil claim. A lawyer can help you document fault, preserve that camera evidence, and deal with the insurer so you're not navigating this alone. Most PI attorneys offer free consults and won't charge you upfront for property damage cases.

Just want to flag — "soreness for a few days" after a collision, even a slow-speed one, can sometimes be early soft tissue stuff that feels minor at first. I'm not saying catastrophize it, but if anything flares back up, please see a doctor and document it. Don't ignore it just because you feel mostly okay right now.

Ugh, I'm sorry. The guilt spiral of 'why didn't I just get the insurance sorted sooner' on top of dealing with an accident sounds exhausting. But from what you're describing, you didn't cause this — he did. That matters. Please talk to someone who can actually look at your situation before you assume you have no options.

I don't doubt your version but I do want to ask — did anyone else witness the collision? In a parking garage there's usually some foot traffic. Even one bystander who saw what happened could be really important if this turns into a dispute. Did you get any contact info from people nearby?