Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is stressful, especially when you're not at fault. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, the situation can quickly spiral out of control. While the law holds the responsible driver financially liable for damages, dealing with an uninsured driver can lead to complications that are difficult to resolve. In California, driving without insurance is not only illegal but also carries severe penalties, including hefty fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Despite these strict consequences, accidents involving uninsured drivers happen more often than most people realize.
As of 2025, California law requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage. Still, California has one of the highest rates of uninsured and underinsured drivers in the nation. Factors like the rising cost of insurance, a lack of understanding about coverage requirements, and the mistaken belief that insurance isn’t necessary contribute to this growing problem.
At The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri, we understand the anxiety and frustration that come with being in an accident—particularly when you’re left to deal with the damages or injuries caused by an uninsured driver. Fortunately, California offers several options to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Under California law, auto insurers are required to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage provides financial protection by covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: UIM coverage helps when the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short of covering your full damages. It covers the gap between their policy limits and your UIM coverage, ensuring you're compensated for the remaining expenses.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): UMPD covers vehicle repairs if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver. It applies when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage to repair your vehicle.
- File a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver: If the uninsured driver is at fault, you have the option to file a lawsuit against them to pursue compensation for damages, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Collision Coverage: Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, regardless of who’s at fault. However, it only covers your vehicle’s damage and does not extend to medical expenses or damage to other property.
- Your Own Health Insurance: While health insurance doesn't cover property damage or lost wages, it can ease the financial burden of medical treatment, especially when the uninsured driver is unable to cover your medical expenses.
Expert Legal Support for Accidents with Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers in San Jose
Driving without car insurance is not just risky—it's illegal and completely avoidable. If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in California, it’s critical to speak with an attorney immediately. Auto liability insurance exists to ensure there are resources available to cover damages caused by accidents. When an uninsured driver hits you, however, your options for recovery become significantly limited, making it much harder to get fully compensated for your losses.
At The Law Offices of Caroline J. Nasseri in San Jose, our dedicated car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling uninsured motorist claims. We aggressively pursue every available option—and are fully prepared to take legal action if necessary—to help you recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. Let us navigate the legal process so you can focus on healing. Contact us today at (408) 912-2217 or complete our online case evaluation to get started.
