Carrying proof of auto liability insurance is required under California state law, but uninsured motorists continue to drive on our roads. According to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), in 2004, 14.43% of California drivers had no car insurance. Uninsured motorists cause car accidents every day, and victims are given few automatic rights under the law. When the at-fault party does not have auto insurance, the financial burden can be overwhelming, stressful, and too much to bear.
Medical treatment is expensive. The extent of monetary loss can be hard to calculate. Unexpected expenses could come from any of the following:
- Emergency medical attention
- Ongoing medical care
- Possible absence from work and day-to-day routines
When an uninsured driver causes injuries to another driver, they cannot call upon an auto insurance carrier to defend them against lawsuits or pay settlements resulting from litigation. They may even have to pay out of their assets. This often forces them into bankruptcy. Because uninsured drivers usually have nothing in the way of personal assets, those injured by the uninsured motorist may have difficulty receiving adequate compensation for their injuries and damages.
Most likely, the victim will have to rely on their policy’s coverage to make up for what the driver lacks. Some drivers now purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance policy. This is an inexpensive way to ensure adequate coverage if they are in an accident with an uninsured driver. With this insurance, they are reimbursed up to the maximum limits of the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on their policy. We recommend purchasing the highest allowable coverage limits if they have this coverage. This coverage will provide a means for obtaining compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
If the victim does not have this coverage, compensation must come exclusively from the at-fault party. Proving liability is a complex process, and the victim will need our experienced legal team to recover all the damages to which they are entitled.
Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation, has handled many car accident cases involving uninsured motorists. We can guide our clients through this process and fight for them, helping them get the compensation they are owed.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver, please contact Eason & Tambornini today.
