Car accidents themselves are bad enough. But there’s one more variable that you weren’t anticipating- the other driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured. How will you be able to pay for the damages to your car? Who will pay for your medical bills and lost wages?
Believe it or not, these kinds of car accidents occur on a regular basis despite the fact that it is illegal to drive without insurance in San Francisco. In fact, insurance companies are required to offer policies that can help take off some of that financial strain. However, insurance companies are not keen on providing aid which is why understanding uninsured and underinsured insurance policies can be tricky. Also, if you do not have this type of insurance, there are other ways to get the financial assistance. With the support of a car accident lawyer in San Francisco, you can get the compensation that you need.
Immediately after the accident, you may feel caught off guard and overwhelmed by the fact that the other driver does not have insurance. Usually, the uninsured driver will offer cash for the damages to your car. Although this may be tempting, it is a big mistake. One, you have no idea how much the damages to your car will ultimately cost. Another concern is for your medical well-being. Not all injuries show themselves immediately, and if you accept the cash and do not report the incident, you may have difficulties paying your medical expenses.
When you do call the insurance company, seek to understand your options for coverage. Sometimes, insurance companies will only be able to cover the costs of a portion of the damages. In this case, you may need to file a lawsuit in order to pay off your expenses. California, and by extension San Francisco, is not a “no-fault state” meaning that you have the capacity to sue the uninsured driver if you can prove that their negligence caused the accident. When it comes to car accidents with uninsured drivers, it’s best to seek legal help to make sure you’re not taken advantage of. Whether you’re interacting with the uninsured driver or your insurance company, having a car accident lawyer can best prepare you for what’s ahead.
