A motor vehicle accident can be shocking enough, but finding out that the other driver is uninsured can take the stress of the accident to an entirely different level. If you are injured or if your car is damaged, it can become expensive to pay the bills. So, what do you do if the other driver is not insured and your insurance will not cover all the expenses?
Insured or Uninsured
In 2012, it was estimated that nearly 15% of California motorists were uninsured. That figure ranked California 13th in the United States. Meanwhile, an unbelievable one-quarter of all motorists in Oklahoma were estimated to be uninsured. If the other driver in your accident is not insured, your own car insurance could take care of all the expenses you incur. However, in some cases this is not enough, especially if you are injured severely.
When you buy your vehicle insurance policy, there is an option to buy uninsured motorist coverage. This will cover your vehicle’s damages as well as medical bills in the case the other driver in an accident lacks automobile insurance. Purchasing uninsured motorist coverage is seen as the ideal and only way to potentially prevent losing thousands of dollars due to an uninsured driver. Getting the best vehicle insurance you can is a step in the right direction, but what happens to the other driver?
Traditional Negligence State
California is a traditional negligence state when it comes to auto accidents. Due to the Golden State’s stance on car collisions, you can file a lawsuit against the person that hit you if he or she does not have auto insurance. In this case, you will need to prove it was the other driver’s fault for hitting you and causing the accident.
Problems with Lawsuits Against Uninsured Drivers
You can already guess the problem with filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver. If you can prove it was his or her fault and you win your case, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to obtain any compensation.
Catch-22 Auto Insurance
In some cases, drivers who have their automobiles totaled can receive zero in compensation from their insurers. Of course, if the other driver is not insured, you will not receive any money from him or her, either. Your insurer could refrain from paying out due to your policy. It is important to read over the policy when you purchase it.
In a recent case, one man who was injured in a car accident by an under-insured motorist sued his auto insurance company for not paying his medical bills. The under-insured motorist’s policy was not enough to pay for his treatment, which has brought on the lawsuit.
Best Advice
Insurance experts advise buying uninsured motorist coverage to make sure you are protected. Even if you are injured, it may be impossible to receive compensation in court.
Flahavan Law Offices | Thousand Oaks Uninsured Motorist Attorneys
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury from an auto accident and the medical expenses that come with it, contact Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation you deserve. Visit our homepage or contact us directly. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs.