It’s no secret that drivers in California are always at risk for an accident. With miles of clogged freeways, especially in the Los Angeles area, drivers are likely to be in a fender bender at some point: whether they are on their way into work or trying to get out of town on a weekend. However, some of those drivers, about 15% in the Golden State, are uninsured.
What happens if you are one of those uninsured drivers and are involved in an accident? What penalties might you face?
Consequences for those uninsured
First, in California, if you don’t have insurance and are involved in an accident, you could have your license suspended or your car impounded. Secondly, if you were at fault for the accident, you may be held responsible for any injury or damage costs.
If the other driver didn’t have insurance to cover accidents with an uninsured driver, the driver may decide to sue you for their injury costs or to cover accident damages. Your personal property or assets may be at risk in such a lawsuit.
If you were borrowing a friend’s car, your friend’s insurance may cover any damage or injury costs.
Rights for the uninsured
If you received injuries in the accident and can prove you weren’t at fault, you can seek coverage of your medical bills from the other driver’s insurance. However, because you weren’t carrying auto insurance, you can’t seek compensation for pain, suffering or loss of quality of life.
No matter if you received injuries or caused injuries to someone else, you should consult a personal injury attorney after an accident. An attorney can help you if you weren’t to blame for the accident and you need your injury costs covered or can help you reduce the penalties for driving uninsured.