Being in a crash with someone who has no insurance can make things harder but it does not mean you are without options. California law provides paths you can follow to protect your rights and seek compensation.
First Steps After the Accident
- Seek immediate medical attention
Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to show. Medical records help prove your injuries later. - Report the crash to law enforcement
Make sure there is an official record. You will need a police report for your insurance claim and any possible lawsuit. - Document the scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, the crash location, skid marks, debris or road hazards, license plates, your visible injuries and any contributing factors like weather or visibility. - Collect witness information
Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened. Their statements can help support your version of events.
Understanding Your Insurance Options
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Many insurance policies in California include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the other driver has no insurance this may cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering or property damage depending on the terms of your policy. - Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover your losses this coverage may help fill the gap between what the other driver has and what you need. - Collision Coverage
If you have collision insurance it may cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle regardless of who caused the crash though you may have to pay a deductible.
Pursuing a Claim or Lawsuit
- Check your insurance policy
Understand what kinds of insurance you have, what your limits are and whether there are conditions or exclusions for UM or underinsured motorist claims. - Notify your insurance company promptly
Notify them of the accident even if the other driver is uninsured. Provide them with everything you know including the police report, your medical records and any photos or witness statements. - Consult a personal injury lawyer
An attorney can review your situation, help you understand whether your insurance covers your losses, negotiate with insurance on your behalf, or take legal action if needed.
Dealing with Challenges
- Be prepared for disputes over fault or injury severity. Insurance companies may try to reduce payouts by saying your injuries are not serious or were worsened by other causes.
- Keep all bills, medical records, pay stubs, repair estimates or receipts. Thorough documentation is crucial.
- Preserve evidence carefully. Do not settle quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries or property damage.
What Hillstone Law Can Do For You
If you have been hit by someone without insurance we can help you determine what coverage you have, assist in filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, gather evidence and build your case, negotiate with insurers or proceed to trial-if necessary to get fair compensation.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
