Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney Narbeh Shirvanian explains what to do if the driver who injured you doesn’t have insurance. He details that one of the most critical issues in California motor vehicle accidents is the presence or absence of insurance coverage, which often presents as either no insurance or insufficient coverage. This issue has two main facets, each requiring a different approach. California law mandates minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, but not all drivers comply with these requirements.

When injured parties seek consultation, it is frequently discovered that the at-fault driver lacks insurance, creating a significant problem. In such cases, the firm conducts due diligence to identify all available insurance policies. If the at-fault party is uninsured, the focus shifts to the injured party’s own insurance, specifically uninsured motorist coverage in effect at the time of the accident.

He notes that the term “full coverage” is often misunderstood. Full coverage does not automatically guarantee protection; it simply indicates that a policyholder has purchased multiple types of coverage offered by an insurer. To pursue a personal injury claim when the responsible party is uninsured, having uninsured motorist coverage is essential.

This fact can be difficult for clients to grasp, especially when they learn about the absence of coverage during a stressful situation. He emphasizes that relying on other drivers to carry sufficient insurance is not a reliable strategy, and securing uninsured motorist coverage is a crucial safeguard for personal injury claims in California.