Hakakian Law Group | Feb 19 2026 16:00
About the Author
Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq. is the founder of Hakakian Law Group, PC in West Hollywood, CA. A Penn Law graduate and former Gibson Dunn attorney, he is a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 honoree, Avvo Clients' Choice Award recipient, and member of CAALA and the Consumer Attorneys of California. CA Bar No. 342841.
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but when the at-fault driver has no insurance, the situation becomes even more overwhelming. As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer
and Los Angeles accident attorney, our team at Hakakian Law Group regularly handles uninsured and underinsured motorist claims throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and across Southern California.
Even though California requires drivers to carry liability insurance, many still get behind the wheel without it. When an uninsured driver causes a crash, it can complicate your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repairs. Fortunately, you have several legal options to protect yourself and your rights.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
Your first priority is always safety. Check for injuries and call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Because you may later file a claim with your own insurance or pursue legal options, contacting law enforcement is essential so that an official police report can be created. This documentation is especially important in cases involving uninsured motorists and hit-and-run accidents.
While still at the scene, gather as much information as possible—photos of the vehicles, the crash scene, property damage, road conditions, and anything else that may support your claim. These steps are crucial whether you're dealing with a car accident lawyer Los Angeles
case, a motorcycle accident lawyer Los Angeles
situation, or any other type of collision.
Once you’re safe, notify your insurance company promptly. Quick reporting helps protect your claim and ensures that your insurer has the information they need to begin evaluating your losses.
How Fault Impacts Your Next Steps
California follows an “at-fault” system, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying damages. When that person has no insurance, your path to compensation looks different—but not impossible. Your insurer will investigate the accident and determine liability. At that point, certain coverages—like uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM)—may come into play.
If the uninsured driver is found responsible, an experienced Los Angeles car crash attorney can help you understand how fault impacts your options and what your insurance policy may cover.
California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. However, serious accidents often result in damages that exceed these minimum limits.
If you were injured by an uninsured driver, it is important to act quickly. In most California personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
How Your Insurance Coverage Can Help
Not all uninsured motorist coverage works the same way.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) helps pay for injury-related losses when an uninsured driver causes a crash. Depending on your policy and circumstances, this may include medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) helps cover damage to your vehicle or other property caused by an uninsured driver. UMPD is separate from bodily injury coverage and generally applies to repair or replacement costs rather than medical expenses.
Understanding the difference between UMBI and UMPD can help you determine which parts of your insurance policy may apply after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Considering Legal Action
In some situations, filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver may be an option. However, if the driver lacks insurance, they often lack the financial resources to pay a judgment. Before pursuing a lawsuit, speak with a knowledgeable West Hollywood personal injury law firm
to determine whether legal action will realistically help you recover damages.
A dedicated injury claim lawyer California
can explain your rights, analyze the facts of your case, and help you understand which steps offer the best chance of meaningful compensation.
What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident
If the driver who hit you flees the scene, your UM coverage typically becomes the primary avenue for compensation. Filing a police report immediately is crucial in these situations. Hit-and-run cases are common throughout Los Angeles, and our team has extensive experience helping clients navigate these complex claims.
Navigating the Aftermath
Dealing with an uninsured driver accident is frustrating, especially when you’re already coping with injuries, medical bills, or lost income. You don’t have to go through this alone. A skilled Los Angeles accident attorney
can help you gather documentation, communicate with your insurance company, and protect your legal rights every step of the way.
Whether you're facing a dog bite lawyer Los Angeles
situation, a traumatic brain injury lawyer Los Angeles
claim, or any other type of serious accident, acting quickly and getting professional guidance makes a significant difference.
By understanding your coverage, knowing your rights, and working with a trusted auto accident lawyer California,
you can move forward with confidence—no matter how complicated the situation feels at first.
What if the uninsured driver fled the scene?
If the driver leaves the scene and cannot be identified, the accident may be treated as a hit-and-run claim. In many cases, your uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for covered injuries and other losses. Report the accident to law enforcement immediately and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. [hakakianlaw.com]
Will my insurance rates go up if I file an uninsured motorist claim in California?
Every situation is different, and insurance companies consider various factors when evaluating rates. However, because uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you when another driver causes the crash, filing a UM claim does not automatically mean your premium will increase. Review your policy and discuss any concerns with your insurer.
Can I sue an uninsured driver after an accident?
Yes. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, even if you obtain a judgment, collecting compensation can be difficult if the driver lacks insurance and significant assets. An attorney can help evaluate whether pursuing legal action is worthwhile. [hakakianlaw.com]
Hakakian Law Group proudly serves accident victims across Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and surrounding communities. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, contact us for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.
Disclaimer: This post is considered attorney advertising and is for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
