ArticlesSustaining serious injuries in a car accident can be devastating. If the person who caused your accident was uninsured, the situation can seem overwhelming.
After being hit by an uninsured driver, you need the same things any other injury accident victim needs. You need medical treatment and care—and a way to pay for it. If your injuries prevent you from working, you need financial resources to assist you.
The good news is that when you get hit by a driver with no insurance in California, you do have options to help you get through this nightmare.
The best way to explore your options is to contact a California car accident lawyer immediately. Talking to an experienced attorney will help you learn more about your options and whether pursuing a claim makes sense.
What Are the California Requirements for Having Car Insurance?
California’s insurance laws require liability coverage for all drivers and vehicle owners in California. Anyone who does not carry this coverage could face monetary fines, driver’s license suspension, and even impounding of their vehicle.
Despite these stringent requirements, many motorists get behind the wheel without having valid insurance coverage in place.
This puts everyone else on the road at risk, should they be hit by an uninsured driver. California law does not require drivers to have comprehensive or collision (physical damage) insurance.
However, most vehicle lenders and finance companies do require this coverage if the vehicle owner financed their car. California also does not require coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) or medical payment (Med Pay) coverage.
These are types of coverage that you could elect to purchase. They don’t add a significant cost to your coverage, but they could be invaluable if you get hit by an uninsured driver.
What Are Your Options After Getting Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Although it’s typically the last line of defense in a car accident injury case, you could sue the at-fault party for your damages.
If they have any assets, this might be a viable approach. However, few people who drive around with no car insurance have any reasonable level of liquidity.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, you can pursue a claim from your own insurance company.
That can be a bit of a delicate process, however. Having an experienced attorney to assist you will provide multiple advantages over attempting to pursue a claim on your own.
Your insurance company is just as likely as anyone else’s carrier to fight your claim. They might try to deny your claim or reduce your settlement unreasonably.
To get what you deserve, you might need an attorney to make a demand and negotiate a settlement, just as they would do if the at-fault party had insurance.
What Is the Process for Making a Claim?
Whether you’re seeking compensation from your insurance company or another party’s insurer, the process of pursuing a car accident claim is basically identical.
Your attorney will document your case, calculate your damages, and present a demand to the insurer. From there, your attorney will negotiate toward a fair settlement.
Before you take any steps—other than seeking medical treatment—contact an attorney to explore your options.
In the meantime, do not provide any statement or discuss any settlement offer with the insurance company—even if it’s your own.
Any statement you give to any insurance company can and will be used against you whenever possible. That’s why it makes sense to discuss your case with a car accident attorney before making any decisions.
How a California Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you do file a claim against your insurance company, having an attorney can help protect your legal rights and maximize your potential settlement.
Your attorney will investigate your accident and build the most persuasive case possible. Your attorney will also document your damages to help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
You may have the right to recover compensation for some or all of the following items:
- Emergency transport and treatment,
- Doctor and hospital costs,
- Medical testing and imaging,
- Prescription medications,
- Assistive devices (crutches, etc.),
- Lost income and benefits, and
- Vehicle repair or replacement.
The specific damages that you can recover can vary depending on the facts and details of your case.
An experienced California injury lawyer can give you a more accurate idea of your claim’s potential value and how much time might be required to resolve your case.
Talk to a California Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was hit by an uninsured driver, consider pursuing a legal claim.
A financial settlement can provide you with the resources you need to pay your medical bills and living expenses during the time you can’t work.
You need help now, and the experienced California personal injury lawyers of the Farzam Law Firm are here to help.
Also consider contacting us if you’re being sued for a car accident with no insurance or if, in your car accident, the uninsured driver was not at fault.
Our experienced team of litigators understands how to deal with these complex legal scenarios, and we can help you explore your options.
If you or a loved one was hit and injured by an uninsured driver in California, contact us now to speak with an attorney or to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a California car accident attorney.
Joseph Farzam
Mr. Farzam attended Santa Monica high school and worked at McDonald’s and local coffee shops to support himself. Although he worked 2 or 3 jobs, he valued education greatly and earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge in biology, and attended the prestigious Pepperdine University School of Law. He graduated with high marks and passed the California bar exam on the first try. Mr. Farzam has received the coveted titles of Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine’s Top Lawyers, and has received The Litigator Awards. He is a proud member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA).
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