Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, APC can help you after a car accident in Echo Park. A car accident is hard enough on its own. But sometimes, there are factors that make it even more complicated–like the other driver not having insurance. While this makes your path to recovery harder, it doesn’t totally cancel it out. Our team knows how to look at every source of financial support to make sure you can get better. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
Having car insurance isn’t just smart—it’s the law in California. But that doesn’t mean every driver in Echo Park follows the rules. If you’ve been hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance (or doesn’t have enough), it can make an already stressful situation a lot more complicated. That’s when you should talk to a lawyer, and our team at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys will be ready to:
- Explain your options clearly so you know what to expect
- Look for other sources of financial recovery—like your own uninsured motorist coverage
- Gather evidence to strengthen your claim
- Negotiate with your insurance company to pursue a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit, if it comes to that
No one expects to get in a crash with someone who’s uninsured. But it happens more often than you’d think—even right here in Echo Park. And when it does, the process for getting your medical bills, car damage, and lost wages covered becomes way more frustrating.
What Happens if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?
In California, every driver is legally required to carry car insurance. That way, when there’s a crash, both drivers exchange info, and the insurance companies work out who owes what.
But let’s be honest—not everyone in Echo Park follows the rules. And when you get hit by someone who has no insurance (or not enough), things can get messy fast. You may still have options, but you’ll likely need to rely on your own insurance —specifically your policies for an:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM).
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM).
UM coverage kicks in when the other driver has no insurance at all or doesn’t meet the state’s basic coverage limits. In California, those minimums are:
- $15,000 per person for injuries or death
- $30,000 total for all injured people in the accident
- $5,000 for property damage
If the at-fault driver can’t meet these numbers—or has no insurance—your UM policy helps cover your medical bills, lost income, and sometimes car repairs.
UIM coverage comes into play when the other driver does have insurance—but not enough to cover everything you’ve lost. Say your injuries cost $50,000 and the other driver’s policy only covers $15,000—your UIM coverage can help close the gap.
Depending on your situation, you might also be able to tap into other types of insurance, like health coverage or MedPay. But it’s still about the claims process, where you’ll file either:
- An insurance claim, usually the first step, either with your own insurer or theirs.
- A lawsuit, especially if insurance isn’t enough (or doesn’t exist).
Most claims start with the insurance process. It’s faster, but insurance companies—even your own—are focused on paying out as little as possible. If the settlement offer doesn’t come close to covering your costs, a lawsuit might be the better option.
What Damages Are Available When the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Whether the other driver has insurance coverage or not, the damages that are available to you are still based on your injuries and losses. Depending on what happened, you could potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses, both now and in the future
- Lost income from missed work or a loss of earning potential if your job changes
- Repair/replacement costs for your car and other damaged property
- Costs relating to your physical pain and emotional distress
- Costs relating to any reduced quality of life you go through
- Funeral and burial costs to your family if the accident is fatal
So in that respect, a car accident where the other driver doesn’t have insurance isn’t any different. Instead, the difference is where payment for damages comes from–either your UM or UIM policy. But as you might expect, you’re still going up against an insurance company, so it’s helpful to look at what information you can provide that will strengthen your claim.
What Information Can Help Me After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
Even though your own insurance company will have to pay your damages in a car accident claim when the other driver is uninsured, it doesn’t mean they’ll just automatically pay your damages. It’s still a claim, and they ultimately want to protect their bottom line even though they technically have to work for you. So, you’re going to need to provide certain information that will strengthen your claim, like:
- Driver’s information – Get their name, driver’s license number, contact info, license plate number, and details about their car (make, model, color). Take photos of their license and license plate if you can.
- Witnesses – If anyone saw the crash happen, ask for their name and contact info. Independent witness statements can help prove what actually happened.
- Photos and video – Use your phone to capture damage to both vehicles, any skid marks or debris, the road conditions, nearby traffic signs or signals, and your injuries. A visual record helps tell the full story.
- An accident report – When you call 911 for help, the local police should come to the scene and make a report. It helps to have an official document noting that the other driver was uninsured and includes the officer’s observations of the scene.
- Medical records – Get checked out immediately and keep track of all diagnoses, treatments, and bills. Even seemingly minor injuries can turn into something bigger later.
- Your insurance policy – Review your UM/UIM coverage. Knowing what’s included helps you figure out your next steps when the other driver can’t pay.
The more thorough you are right after the accident, the better your chances of getting your damages covered—whether that’s through your own insurer or a lawsuit. And remember, our team will be there to help you through it all.
Get Help If You’re in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Echo Park
Getting into a car accident is tough enough. But when the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it can leave you feeling stuck. Even though California law requires all drivers to carry coverage, not everyone follows the rules.
If you were hit by an uninsured driver in Echo Park, Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys can help you sort through the next steps. We’ll explain your options, work with your insurance, and help you build a solid claim from the start. Let’s start with a free consultation to get the process started.