What Happens If I Get Hit By Someone Without Insurance in California?
If you are hit by someone without car insurance in California, your main options for covering your damages are filing a Roseville car accident claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it or suing the at-fault driver directly, though collecting payment may be difficult if they don’t have assets.
Use Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
California insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a crash with an uninsured (or hit-and-run) driver. If you have this coverage, you can make a UM claim with your own insurance for:
- Medical bills related to your accident injuries
- Lost wages if you can’t work
- Pain and suffering (for injuries)
- Car repairs (if you have uninsured motorist property damage/UMPD or collision coverage)
Your insurance company will handle your claim, but you will need to show the other driver was responsible and uninsured.
There is typically no deductible or a small one, depending on your policy. If you rejected UM coverage when first signing up, you don’t have this option.
Suing the Uninsured Driver
If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, or your damages exceed what your policy pays, you can sue the at-fault driver directly for what you’ve lost. However, many drivers without car insurance may also lack the money, stable job, or assets needed to pay a court judgment. Even after winning your Roseville T-bone accident lawsuit, collecting any money from that driver might be challenging, making this an unreliable route for recovering large sums.
Other Insurance Options
You can also look to:
- Collision coverage (if part of your policy): Pays to repair or replace your car regardless of fault, but with a deductible.
- Medical Payments (“MedPay”) coverage: If you bought MedPay as part of your car insurance, it can cover medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the crash.
- Personal Health Insurance: For accident-related medical treatment.
What To Do Immediately After an Accident
Always call law enforcement to the scene and report the crash right away, even minor accidents, if the other driver is uninsured. Get a copy of the police report, take photos, collect witness information, save all your receipts, and report the accident to your own insurer as soon as possible.
Consult a Lawyer After Being Hit By an Uninsured Driver
You should always consider consulting a lawyer after an accident with an uninsured driver in California. These cases are often more complicated, and a Roseville motorcycle accident attorney experienced with uninsured motorist cases can help you understand all your options, avoid costly mistakes, and deal directly with insurance companies.
In many situations, having legal guidance is the best way to improve your odds of actually getting the money you need for your medical bills, car repairs, or other losses after the accident.
Call our team today to schedule your free case evaluation.