BlogCar accidents are always stressful and scary, even more so when the other driver has no insurance.
You may wonder whether you will ever be able to recover from your injuries and property damage.
Fortunately, you may still have a chance to recover.
Let the Farzam Law Firm help you.
CAR ACCIDENT REQUIREMENT DETAILS IN CALIFORNIA
California Car Insurance Requirements
Under California law, drivers must have car insurance coverage. There are minimum amounts of coverage every driver should have, including:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person;
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident; and
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident.
These numbers reflect only the minimum amount of coverage, and more coverage is always available.
The more protection you have, the better.
If a California driver does not have at least the minimum insurance coverage, they are breaking the law.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California
When purchasing auto insurance, you will have the option of adding uninsured motorist coverage.
This type of coverage gives you extra protection should you find yourself in an accident with an uninsured driver.
If the other driver in an accident is an uninsured motorist, your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your injuries. The limits will be the same as the limits on your insurance policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is required in California unless you waive it in writing.
This insurance provides an extra layer of protection, giving drivers more peace of mind.
[STEPS] CALIFORNIA UNINSURED MOTORISTS FAQ
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may feel confused and overwhelmed. Follow these simple steps to help get you on the path to recovery.
Call the Police
Immediately following the accident, call 911 and request police assistance.
Officers will play an integral role in gathering important information at the scene and generating an accident report.
Get Medical Help
Paramedics may provide medical treatment at the scene of the accident if necessary.
Regardless, be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible to receive follow-up care or properly diagnose your resulting injuries.
If you’ve suffered injuries, you may face financial burdens and want to seek reimbursement. Medical records can provide excellent evidence and help your case immensely.
Notify Your Insurance Company
While there is no required time to notify your insurance company of an accident, insurers prefer to know as soon as possible.
Call your insurance company and let them know you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Consult with a California Car Accident Lawyer
Once you’ve done all of the above, be sure to talk to a car accident attorney.
Accidents involving uninsured motorists can be tricky, but a lawyer will be able to guide you and give you the best legal advice.
Can You Still Recover If An Uninsured Driver hit you?
Car accidents with uninsured motorists are not as straightforward as those involving drivers with insurance.
You will likely encounter challenges when seeking recovery.
However, there are specific ways you can still recover from your injuries and related expenses, including:
- Uninsured motorist coverage,
- Your health insurance, or
- Medical Pay (Med Pay) coverage.
Med Pay is optional insurance covering medical expenses after a collision, no matter who was at fault.
An attorney will ask all the right questions to help decide your best course of action to seek recovery and ease the financial burden.
Suing an Uninsured Driver
After an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may rush to the idea of using that driver.
However, this is not always the most favorable decision. While you are fully entitled to file suit against the driver, you may not be successful in recovering all you are owed.
If the other driver does not have insurance, they are unlikely to have the financial means to pay you, leaving you in an unfortunate position.
Let a California Car Accident Attorney Help You
Farzam Law Firm dedicates itself to helping injured clients get the recovery they deserve. We strive to put clients first and make them feel valued and important. We understand the challenges resulting from accidents and injuries, and we’re always ready to help ease the stresses and burdens.
Let us fight for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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).