So, what happens if an uninsured driver hits you? TBH, car accidents are a pretty unfortunate reality that can occur on the road. I have seen even the cautious and most responsible ones fall victim when an uninsured driver hits them on the road.
You are already dealing with trauma due to the accident. On top of that, the damages caused by an uninsured driver can make things even difficult for you to deal with.
So, yes! Getting rear-ended is bad enough. Finding out the other driver has no insurance makes everything worse.
In San Diego, about 17% of drivers operate without proper insurance coverage. That’s roughly one out of every seven cars on the road. When one of these drivers causes an accident, victims face a complicated mess of questions about who pays for what.
But don’t worry! You don’t have to deal with the aftermath all alone. In this article, I will guide you with all the smaller details about the process.
Through this guide, I will also help you to understand the steps that you must make if an uninsured driver causes damage to your car.
Your Insurance Might Still Cover You
Most people assume their insurance only kicks in when they cause an accident. That’s not true. Many California drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage without realizing it.
This coverage pays for your medical bills and sometimes vehicle damage when an uninsured driver hits you.
Check your policy declarations page. Look for “UM” or “uninsured motorist” coverage. The numbers next to it show your limits.
If you see something like 25/50, that means $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for medical expenses.
Property damage coverage for uninsured motorists works differently. Some policies include it automatically, while others require you to buy it separately. If you don’t have it, you’re typically stuck paying for your car repairs.
Going After the Driver Directly
You can sue an uninsured driver personally. An experienced San Diego car accident attorney can help determine if this is a viable option in your specific situation. The key question is whether the person has assets worth pursuing.
Some uninsured drivers own homes, have savings accounts, or earn a steady income. Others live paycheck to paycheck and choose to drop insurance because they can’t afford it. Winning a lawsuit against someone with no money to pay doesn’t solve your problem.
How To Find Out If The Driver Is Insured Or Not?
I can tell you a way that you can use to check if the car is insured. You just have to make a call to the insurance provider. Or, you can also utilize the Motor Insurance Database or MID’s online services.
You can easily submit your enquiries to find three things about the vehicle: policy number, insurer’s name, and contact details of the claims. You just need to submit it for £10.
To find out the details, you will have to provide the registration plate number of your car and the other driver’s car. One thing that you have to understand is that you can only opt for this service if an accident occurs.
What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Hits You: The Gap Problem
Your uninsured motorist coverage might not cover everything. California only requires drivers to carry $15,000 per person in uninsured motorist coverage. If you’re seriously hurt, that won’t go far.
Medical bills from a significant accident can easily reach six figures. Physical therapy, lost wages, and ongoing treatment add up quickly. When there’s a gap between your coverage and your actual costs, you have limited options.
Working With Your Own Insurance Company
Insurance companies sometimes resist paying uninsured motorist claims. They might argue your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that you’re partly at fault for the accident. Having documentation helps your case.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine initially. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms for days. Keep records of all medical treatment, missed work, and accident-related expenses.
When it’s Time to Take Legal Action
Not every case requires a lawyer. If your injuries are minor and your insurance covers the costs, you may be able to handle things yourself. But several situations call for legal action after a car crash:
- Your injuries are serious or permanent
- Your insurance company denies your claim
- The uninsured driver has significant assets
- You’re being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause
The legal process takes time. Even straightforward cases can drag on for months. Complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed faults can take years to resolve.
The Financial Reality
What happens if an uninsured driver hits you? It leaves you with a financial loss. That’s the uncomfortable truth most people don’t want to hear. You may be able to recover some costs through your insurance, but rarely all of them.
This is why many financial advisors recommend carrying higher uninsured motorist limits. It costs more upfront, but it protects you when someone else’s poor decision affects your life.
Protecting Yourself Going Forward
Other drivers are out of your control, but your coverage is in your control. Check your policy once a year.
You may want to consider increasing your uninsured motorist limits, especially if you frequently drive or often travel in high-traffic areas.
Being struck by an uninsured motorist can be both annoying and costly. When you know what your options are in advance, you can make better decisions when you find yourself in the mess that someone else created.
Your Legal Guide: Prepare Today, Protect Tomorrow
I think by now you’ve understood what happens if an uninsured driver hits you! See, getting hit by an uninsured car driver in San Diego can make you feel overwhelmed. You might even feel financially strained.
However, you need to have the right knowledge that can protect you with the right coverage and support.
So, you must try to review your insured motorist policies on a regular basis to further consider all the higher limits.
If you’re seriously injured or facing insurance pushback, an experienced San Diego car accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve and guide you through your legal options.
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