Car Crashes in California: What if the Other Party Is an Uninsured Driver?
Car crashes are a common occurrence and often result in property damage and injuries. After a car accident in California, the next step would be to make a claim against the other driver’s insurance in order to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. But, what if the other motorist is uninsured? What will happen? Would suing an uninsured driver be a possibility? The California car accident attorneys at Maire & Deedon will touch on these in this article.
California Auto Insurance Statutes
California is one of 38 states in the US that follows an at-fault system for auto insurance.
There are three basic types of auto insurance coverage, and in California, each driver must carry at least liability insurance, which covers injuries and property damage to others. Drivers can also choose to carry collision and comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to their own car.
1. Liability Insurance
California car insurance coverage laws make car insurance compulsory. This means that all drivers must have at least this type of coverage. Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage that a driver causes to others in an accident. In the event of a fatality, it is used to pay for the funeral expenses of someone who dies in an accident.
Sometimes, it also covers legal costs if the driver is sued.
2. Collision Insurance
Collision insurance is a type of car insurance that covers the costs of repairing or replacing the insured vehicle after a collision. In California, it is not compulsory to have collision insurance, but it is highly recommended, as it can help protect drivers from potentially costly repairs in the event of an accident. Collision insurance typically covers the damages to a vehicle caused by a collision with another object, such as a car, pedestrian, or tree.
3. Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is a type of automobile insurance that covers damage to an insured vehicle that is not the result of a collision. This type of policy also includes coverage for theft, fire, and other damages to the car. Comprehensive coverage is not mandatory in California, but it is recommended for drivers who want to be protected from all possible types of damage to their vehicles.
What to do If You’re Involved in a Car Crash with an Uninsured Driver
Unfortunately, although illegal, there are many drivers on the road who do not have insurance. If you are in a car accident with an uninsured driver, here are some things you could do:
1. Take out extra coverage from your own insurance policy: if you have extra coverage, this could be used to pay for damages and/or compensate for injuries you in the event that the other driver does not have insurance. You must have this insurance in place prior to the accident.
2. Sue the other driver: If the other driver does not have insurance, you can sue them for damages. An attorney can help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
In either of the above cases, it is very important to keep track of all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, etc.
Maire & Deedon
In most circumstances, people decide to file a lawsuit against an uninsured motorist. This lawsuit against the uninsured motorist is often the best way to seek damages to pay for your accident and injury bills.
However, it is important to speak with an experienced Redding, California automobile accident lawyer at Maire & Deedon to learn more about your rights in your specific case and fully understand the options available to you.