Hit by an Uninsured Driver in California? Here’s What Happens Next

It’s a moment you don’t plan for. One second you’re driving to work, or picking up dinner – and the next, someone crashes into you. Then comes the kicker: they don’t have insurance.

First things first – take a breath. Yes, this is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. 

There are options. 

And at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we help people in this exact situation all the time. If you were hit by an uninsured driver in California, our attorneys can walk you through your options. 

 

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Okay (Seriously)

Accidents – insured or not – can leave you shaken up. Your first priority is your health. Get checked out, even if you feel okay. Injuries like whiplash and concussions don’t always show up right away.

 

Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report

Even if the other driver asks you not to, always call the police. A report helps protect your case. 

Be sure to:

• Note their name and license plate
• Take photos of the vehicles
• Get witness info if anyone saw what happened

While it may seem tempting, do not accept cash for the damage to your vehicle. Even if it seems like a good deal, refrain from taking their money. 

 

Step 3: Check Your Own Insurance Policy

Here’s where the silver lining comes in.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or underinsured motorist coverage (UIM),  your own policy may kick in to cover:

• Your medical bills 
• Car repairs
• A rental car, if you need it 
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering costs
• Diminished value if your car is worth less after the crash

While it’s not mandatory to have, most California drivers carry UM/UIM coverage – unless you declined it in writing. The minimum UM/UIM coverage is $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person and $60,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person. 

 

Step 4: Talk to a Lawyer Before You File Anything

Insurance companies – even your own – aren’t always on your side. They are in the business of making money and are typically not inclined to make a large payout. Before filing a claim with your own insurance company, consider talking to a lawyer first.

 A quick chat with a personal injury attorney can:

• Help you understand what you’re entitled to
• Make sure you don’t settle for less
• Handle all the annoying paperwork

Bonus: Most consultations (like ours) are free.

 

What If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage?

All hope isn’t lost. Depending on the circumstances, you might still be able to:

• Sue the uninsured driver personally (if they have assets)
• Use Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage
• Use Collision Coverage 
• Tap into state compensation funds

These cases can get tricky – but we know the routes and how to drive them. Before paying for everything on your own, give us a call. 

 

You’re Not Alone in This

An estimated 15% of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured. Getting hit by an uninsured driver can feel like a double whammy. First, the accident, then the stress of dealing with someone who didn’t even follow the law.

But here’s the good news: California has legal safeguards in place, and you don’t have to go it alone.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we’ll guide you through each step, answer your questions, and fight to secure what you need to recover, with some peace of mind along the way.

 

We’ve Got Your Back

This might not have been the detour you expected, but you don’t have to stay stuck.

If you were hit by an uninsured driver, let’s talk. No pressure. Just real answers, and a team that’s got your back. Contact us for a free consultation today. 

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