What If I Get Into a Car Accident and Don’t Have Insurance?
If you suffered injuries in a car accident and do not have insurance, the last thing you may want to think about is how the law will treat you. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries that you sustained.
Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may need to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be liable for any damages and medical bills that you caused.
Depending on your state’s laws, you may also be subject to fines and other penalties for not having insurance. Still, it is important to understand your rights and what to expect if you decide to open a personal injury claim.
Car accident victims in California have the right to open personal injury claims. This is regardless of whether they have insurance or not. These claims allow them to recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages they suffered in an accident. These claims can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.
Furthermore, victims may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Depending on the severity of the accident and the resulting damages, the amount of compensation awarded may vary.
What to Know if You Caused a Car Accident in California and Don’t Have Insurance
All California drivers are required to hold a valid (active) insurance policy, and driving without one can mean harsh consequences. You may face penalties, but if you cause an accident, you may also have a lawsuit filed against you — leaving your personal assets and property at risk.
For instance, if you do not have insurance (liability coverage) and cause an accident in California, you can be held personally responsible for the damages you cause, even if the other party has their own insurance coverage. This could mean having to pay a large sum of money for the injured party. This could include covering medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
If you are considering seeking a monetary settlement for your damages, Shaun Phillips, from Benchmark Injury Law, can help you receive the best possible outcome for your situation. Many factors determine who is liable for a crash, and what will happen next. Liability arguments for car accidents can be complicated, but Shaun Phillips will do everything in his power to protect your interests and your legal rights throughout the process.
Recovering Compensation for a California Accident When You Don’t Have Insurance
California has a “No Pay, No Play” policy (also known as California Proposition 213) that prohibits uninsured motorists from collecting compensation for noneconomic damages (such as for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life).
However, your lawyer can still fight to recover a monetary settlement for your economic damages. This can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Funeral costs
If you get into an accident without insurance, you may feel unsure of where to turn. The team at Benchmark Injury Law can be an extensive resource to help you build a strong legal case to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, no matter how much insurance coverage you were carrying at the time of the accident.
Protect Your Interests with Benchmark Injury Law, in Irvine, California
If you were involved in a car accident and do not have insurance, Benchmark Injury Law can help you recover compensation for your damages. You can count on us to go up to bat for you, and to fight to recover fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Shaun Phillips of Benchmark Injury Law, call (949) 504-9031, or fill out our contact form today.
