You’ve Been in a California Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver
San Bernardino County saw 16,123 injuries or fatalities in vehicle accidents in 2019, increasing 6% over the previous year and 35% from 2010. With collisions on the rise, it is essential to maintain your motorist insurance and know what to do in the event of an accident, particularly one involving an uninsured at-fault driver.
If you have been the victim of an accident with an uninsured driver in California, you may be concerned about how this will impact you financially. Expenses following an accident can quickly amass.
Your health insurance may cover some or most of your medical costs, but other damages are not included, like lost wages, financial losses in the future, mechanic costs, etc. Additionally, damages under “pain and suffering” are also not covered.
Yes, getting hit by an uninsured driver in California is frustrating and unfair, but you should seek justice. First, you should familiarize yourself with the California laws that pertain to this type of accident and take comfort in knowing you do not have to face the insurance company independently.
In the event you were injured in a California car accident caused by someone without insurance, you should seek to consult with a proficient and qualified attorney.
California’s Car Insurance Requirements for Drivers
DMV officials require motor vehicle owners to carry auto insurance or provide proof of financial responsibility under California law. At the scene of an accident, drivers in California are required to produce proof of financial responsibility, and police are trained to ask drivers.
Additionally, California has consequences that uninsured drivers will face for their irresponsibility. Uninsured driving or driving without proof of financial responsibility is a criminal offense. The uninsured driver may receive a costly ticket and a license suspension of up to four years, and their vehicle may be impounded under the law.
Unfortunately, having both laws and penalties doesn’t stop many from driving without insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 16.1% of California drivers are uninsured. Another concern is the underinsured motorist, a driver who may have minimal insurance but not enough to cover the costs and damages if they get in an accident.
Car Insurance Requirements in California
California has liability coverage requirements under the law.
Getting your vehicle registered in California requires (at minimum) that you have bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person, bodily injury liability coverage of $30,000 per accident, and property damage liability coverage of $5,000 per accident.
Again, those found driving without insurance or getting into an accident and not having insurance are subject to fines, suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
If you are concerned about getting into an accident with a driver who does not have liability insurance or is underinsured, you may want to purchase Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UMC/UIM). Contact your insurance company or broker for more information. Your insurance company should offer you this coverage, but you are not obligated to purchase it and can sign a waiver to that effect. There are also subcategories of coverage under these headings.
What to do if you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver
As you always should, call the police to report the accident. Every accident should be reported, no matter how minor it may be.
When you get in a collision with an uninsured motorist, you should also file a claim in the same manner as you would with an insured driver.
It is still crucial that you seek medical care even if you initially feel fine or you are worried about how to pay for care.
You may feel sorry for the other driver but do not admit fault. A misplaced “I’m sorry” can be used against you later, resulting in complete or partial blame.
The other driver may try to approach you with an offer and inquire about the possibility of seeking a settlement. You may be inclined to assume the worst once the discovery is made that the at-fault driver is without insurance or is underinsured and accept the idea of getting any compensation as a total loss. You may still be able to receive compensation if you avoid this negative thinking. Further, never make a deal with the other driver on the spot or at your own initiative. Lastly but foremost, consult with a skilled and experienced California car auto accident attorney.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a driver without insurance, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. California’s car accident attorneys at Castillo & Associates are available to speak with you about your legal rights and potential options if you have been injured in a car crash. To schedule a free consultation visits our page here, or call 1 800-497-9774.
The injury attorneys at the Castillo & Associates are skilled in complex automobile accident cases throughout California. The firm has over thirty years of legal experience with auto and car accidents, and is equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to take on the most challenging auto accident cases.
We have recovered over $300 million dollars in compensation for our clients to date. We can help you determine your options and guide you further in each step of the process. Our experienced attorneys at Castillo & Associates can help you gather any evidence you may need to get the maximum benefits for your injury.
At Castillo & Associates, we have offices conveniently located throughout Southern California in Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, Coachella Valley, and the San Diego area of Mission Valley. We are Bilingual Attorneys and have over 33 years of combined experience in Workers Compensation Claims & Workers Compensation Law as well as Personal Injury Law.
Attorney Domingo Castillo handles workers’ compensation, personal injury, family law & immigration throughout Southern California from our 5 offices: Indio, Pomona, Riverside, San Diego & Cathedral City. We help clients file injury claims, obtain residency & citizenship, and we assist families through divorce, child custody and all family law matters.
