What Happens If I Get Into an Accident Without Having Insurance in California?

According to a recent study by The Insurance Research Council, about 15% of all motorists in California do not have insurance. Although state law mandates all drivers to have insurance, some simply cannot afford it. This has become an especially big problem in Southern California cities, including Los Angeles.

The study finds there to be a direct correlation between the percentage of drivers who have insurance and the financial strength of the U.S. economy. With the levels of prosperity the U.S. saw in the mid-2000s, there was a steady drop in uninsured motorist rates. Rates have continued to rise since 2008 when compared to the decline of America’s overall financial picture.

The Importance of Uninsured Driver Insurance

With the steady rise of uninsured motorists on the road, the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) continues to stress the importance of drivers getting uninsured driver insurance from their carriers. It is also important that you consider getting uninsured bodily injury coverage as well. Uninsured motorist coverage provides a safety net in the event that you suffer injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

The bottom line is that if you have been involved in an accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance, you have little to no recourse. You can try to sue the driver personally, but you probably won’t get anything. The reason is that if they can’t afford pay their insurance premium, chances are they don’t have any assets for you to go after. If you have opted to include UM/UIM as part of your own insurance coverage plan, you can rest assure that you will be able to recover your costs from your own insurance.

Uninsured Motorist Claims Do Not Impact Your Premium

Despite some concern, if you file an uninsured motorist claim against your own career, it will not go on your record. This means that you will not get a point on your record and your insurance premiums will not increase since the accident was not your fault.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of car accidents. If you were involved in a car accident caused by another driver and were seriously injured, you need aggressive legal representation. An experienced accident lawyer can help you get the full compensation you and your child deserve.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Los Angeles car accident attorneys, please call us at 888-848-5084.