How Can I Get Reimbursed for Medical Expenses if I Was Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

While California requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, the Insurance Research Council reports that nearly 1 in 8 California drivers are uninsured. Car accidents involving uninsured motorists present a problem for those deserving compensation for property damage or bodily injury. 

If you are involved in a California car accident with an uninsured driver, your options for recovering damages are limited. Determining available recourse after an uninsured car accident demands counsel from an experienced California uninsured motorist accident attorney.

How Can I Get Reimbursed for Medical Expenses from an Uninsured Driver?

Drivers who suffer an injury due to the negligence of uninsured motorists have three options when seeking compensation for medical expenses:

1. Rely on your uninsured motorist coverage (UMC)
2. Enter a claim against your personal auto insurance policy
3. File suit against the other driver

In each scenario, you are likely to encounter resistance from the opposing party to pay any claim. Insurance companies attempt to save money by reducing or refusing claims, and an uninsured driver likely doesn’t have the funds to pay toward compensation. Your best chance of recovering damages is to retain a skilled car accident attorney to represent your interests. 

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Insurance companies in California are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage to consumers. Many policyholders forego this extra layer of protection to reduce their monthly premiums. For those who don’t, UMC can prove a valuable asset after an accident involving an uninsured driver.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage and are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Funeral expenses

Should I File a Claim Against My Car Insurance Policy?

If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you will need to file a claim against your standard auto insurance policy. Generally, insurers will pay collision coverage less any deductible and medical injury expenses for you and any passengers, up to your policy limit. 

Can I Sue an Uninsured Driver for My Medical Expenses?

You shouldn’t suffer financial loss because of someone else’s negligence, and filing suit against the responsible party may be a path to recover expenses. However, seeking compensation from an uninsured driver will take time, money, and legal expertise. 

Qualified car accident attorneys can help you determine if bringing legal action against the uninsured party is viable. Together, you will need to weigh if there is money to be paid by the other side upon a winning judgment. 

Talk to a California Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, you may be scrambling to figure out who will pay for lost property and medical expenses. After all, most of the time, insurance companies step in to settle claims and pay damages. 

Navigating the aftermath of an auto accident when the other party is uninsured is complicated. Knowledgeable car accident lawyers can explain your options and help you move forward toward the compensation you deserve. 

If an uninsured motorist in California has injured you, reach out to a California car accident attorney for a comprehensive case review and action plan. 

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.