Owning a car and having insurance go hand in hand for most drivers. After all, it is illegal to drive a car without insurance. However, in the state of California, drivers are either not insured or underinsured. There are many reasons why drivers may choose not to buy car insurance, with the cost being one of the most significant, but this complicates the situation if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a car accident.
Who Pays After an Accident?
California is a tort state. This means that one of the drivers involved in an accident must be proven to be at fault before either insurance company decides to pay damages to its client. Typically, if both drivers have insurance, the company of whoever is at fault will make the payments. But what if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance? If you are in a car accident that is not your fault and the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, having the extra protection of uninsured motorist coverage could be very helpful, especially if you are injured or your vehicle has extensive damages.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help
California does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but it can make a big difference after an accident. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may have a better chance at receiving full compensation for an injury or vehicle distress. If the other driver does not have insurance, receiving damages from them can be difficult - or even impossible in the case of a hit-and-run accident. If he or she is underinsured, the coverage may fill any gap that is not covered by the other insurance company.
Getting in a car accident is a difficult situation to be in. Being involved in one caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver often create additional stress. Working with an attorney may help you figure out what steps you need to make so you and your vehicle are taken care of if necessary. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes.
If you have a case, contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you.