Drivers involved in a car accident who don’t have insurance can potentially sue. However, the consequences of not having insurance can be devastating.
Generally, personal injury lawyers advise against driving while uninsured as it can make it challenging to recover compensation but not entirely impossible.
In addition to difficulties winning a car accident case, it can also present legal issues such as fines, jail time, and a suspended license.
If you’ve recently suffered injuries in a car accident while driving uninsured, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Learn more below about suing after a car accident while driving uninsured.
What Are “Pay-to-Play” Policies?
In California, it’s illegal to drive a car without insurance. If you get into a car accident while driving uninsured, you will only be able to recover limited damages (even if it’s not your fault). This is due to the “pay-to-play” insurance policy in California.
These rules restrict the amount of compensation an injured, uninsured driver can recover after a car accident. They allow you to seek economic damages such as medical expenses, property damages, etc. However, you can’t recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, and the like.
What If You Cause a Car Accident Without Insurance?
If you are at fault or share a sizable share of the blame, you may have to pay for your expenses and potentially the other car accident victims’ fees out of pocket. Even if the other people involved in the crash have uninsured motorist insurance, they can still sue you for damages caused as a result of the accident.
What If You’re Uninsured, But You’re Driving Someone Else’s Car?
If you are driving someone else’s car at the time of an accident, you are covered by their insurance policy, even if you don’t have your own insurance. However, you are only covered if they permit you to drive their car. Insurance coverage follows the vehicle, not the person.
Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers Today
Driving with car insurance is not only highly recommended but also against the law to do otherwise. If you don’t have active car insurance, it’s in the best interest of you and other drivers on the road to take public transport or call a ride-sharing service.
However, if you have already been involved in an accident while driving uninsured, there still may be an opportunity to recover limited damages. You don’t have to navigate this challenging process alone. Contact an experienced and proven car accident lawyer quickly after the accident occurs.
At Steinberg Injury Lawyers, we’ve developed a reputation as one of the best car accident law firms in Los Angeles because we are diligent, savvy, and prepared to fight for your right to maximum compensation under the circumstances.
Contact us today or give us a call to schedule your free initial consultation.
