Hit by an Uninsured Driver in California? Here's What to Do

Finding out that the driver who hit you has no insurance adds a layer of stress on top of an already difficult situation. The good news is that getting medical care does not depend on the other driver's insurance status, and you likely have more options than you think.

First: Document Everything You Can

• Take photos of both vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries
• Get the other driver's name, contact information, and license plate, even without insurance information
• Call the police and get a report number
• Collect contact information from any witnesses

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional part of some California auto insurance policies. It may provide compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Whether you have this coverage, and how it applies to your specific accident, depends entirely on your own policy. Check your insurance card or policy documents, or call your insurer to ask directly.

California's Uninsured Motorist Problem

California has one of the higher rates of uninsured drivers in the country. If you were hit by one, you are far from alone, and there are established resources and processes for handling exactly this situation.

Getting Medical Care Right Away

Do not wait to seek treatment while you sort out insurance questions. Options that do not depend on the other driver's insurance include:

• Your own health insurance, if you have it, which you can use regardless of who caused the accident
• Medical lien providers, who treat now and collect payment later from any settlement
• Emergency Medi-Cal, for emergency care regardless of immigration or insurance status
• Community health clinics, which offer sliding-scale care based on income

What About My Legal Options?

Whether you can recover compensation, from your own policy, the other driver personally, or another source, depends heavily on your specific circumstances and policy terms. This is a legal question that only a licensed attorney can properly evaluate. We strongly recommend a consultation, even a single free consultation many attorneys offer, before making decisions about your claim.

How NoLawyerHelp Can Help

We connect victims of uninsured-driver accidents with doctors who accept lien cases, help you apply for Emergency Medi-Cal, identify community clinics near you, and point you toward free legal aid referrals if you want to explore your options further. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.