Drivers are expected to be insured when they are behind the wheel in California. Unfortunately, some do not adhere to the law and choose to drive without insurance. When there is an auto accident, this can present myriad problems for them and for the others involved in the crash.
People who were injured or lost a loved one in a collision must be aware of how they can receive compensation for the medical costs, lost income, need for extensive care, inability to work, and problems functioning as they did previously. One key aspect is understanding the legal strategies available to them to make sure they maximize what they receive for what occurred.
A surprising number of people drive without insurance
Despite every state requiring drivers to be properly insured when they take to the road, a significant percentage were found not to have insurance. According to ValuePenguin, an estimated 13% of drivers in the United States are taking to the road without insurance.
Some states are worse than others in this respect. In California, the past decade has seen a spike of 1.6% from the 15% who did not have insurance back then. The number is approaching 17%. Across the nation, there was a minor increase from 2010 to 2019.
While this can be problematic for the other people who were impacted by an auto accident, it also penalizes the driver who was not insured. California has a “no pay, no play” template that limits how much the uninsured driver can recover for pain and suffering. They can still pursue maximum compensation for economic loss.
The Golden State can penalize drivers who do not have insurance. There are fines and the possibility that their vehicle will be impounded. People who want to be fully protected can consider getting Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM).
Know the alternatives after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver
In addition to the problems a person and their family faces after being injured in an auto accident, the other driver not having proper insurance will inevitably exacerbate those challenges. Unlike many other states, California operates under a fault-based system where the driver who is deemed responsible for the accident is responsible for compensating those who were injured.
Those injured in the collision will need to seek compensation from their own insurer if the other driver does not have insurance. While UMC or UIM will cover them in these instances, not everyone has this as part of their insurance coverage.
Given these facts, it is crucial to assess the accident and determine its cause. If, for example, a driver was texting at the time of the accident, there will likely be proof that they were doing so based on the time the accident occurred and when they texts were sent and read. There are other forms of evidence that can be used in a legal claim.
In Encinitas and the surrounding areas, is imperative to draw a line in the sand and seek professional assistance to make a full recovery. Mistakes can be costly after an auto accident with an uninsured driver, so it is wise to know the facts and to have guidance at every step to avoid making a bad situation worse.