Though it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle in California without car insurance, thousands of drivers do so every day. If you get involved in an accident with one of these irresponsible drivers, it can be difficult to know how to recover the financial compensation you deserve for your property damage and medical bills.
If you were hit or injured by an Ontario uninsured or underinsured driver, let the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers represent you in your vehicle accident case to ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to begin with a free consultation at our Ontario law office. Fill out this online form or call our 24/7 hotline at (909) 316-5154
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Vehicle Accidents
An uninsured vehicle accident means the driver or owner of the car does not have any car insurance coverage that applies to the vehicle, while an underinsured accident means the driver has some insurance, but not enough to pay for your losses or meet the legal requirements.
Uninsured and underinsured drivers have a serious impact on Ontario crash victims, as they flout the law and put innocent people in tough situations, with limited to no insurance coverage available. According to the Insurance Information Institute, an average of 14 percent of motorists (around one in seven drivers) were uninsured in 2022.
Ontario’s Insurance Requirements and Legal Framework
All motor vehicle drivers in Ontario are required to meet California’s legal limits in terms of car insurance, also known as proof of financial responsibility. They must show proof of insurance when registering a motor vehicle and when asked by law enforcement officers.
The required amounts per California Insurance Code §11580.1b are currently:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
These amounts were increased in 2025, but they may still not be enough to fully cover your past and future losses. You may instead have to turn to your own insurance policy to cover gaps in available coverage. A first-party insurance claim with your insurer may also be the only option if the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
Coverage Options After an Accident
After an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and property damage through various means, including uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These are two types of optional insurance available in California that must be rejected in writing at the time of purchase.
If you don’t remember rejecting this coverage, you may have it on your policy. Call your own car insurance company to discuss the coverage available and file a first-party claim. Your other options could be holding a third party responsible, such as the other driver’s employer, the government or a product manufacturer.
You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the uninsured or underinsured driver directly to make them pay. However, many drivers who operate without insurance in Ontario do not have the assets to pay a settlement or jury verdict out of pocket. Discuss all of your legal options with an attorney to explore every potential source of financial compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
Successfully filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for an uninsured or underinsured motorist crash in Ontario could result in the money you need to rebuild your life and move forward with peace of mind. Even if the at-fault driver does not have insurance available, other recovery options could help you move forward.
With help from an attorney, you may be able to recover compensation such as:
- Medical expenses and future care costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Income replacement benefits (lost wages)
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage repairs or replacement
An insurance settlement will be capped at the limits of the individual policy. This is why seeking coverage from multiple policies can benefit your financial recovery. An attorney can help you explore all available insurance policies and legal options.
Critical Deadlines and Time Limitations
After an uninsured or underinsured vehicle accident in Ontario, California, you have 10 days to report the crash to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You should call the police immediately from the scene of the accident for a crash report if the accident results in injuries, deaths or at least $1,000 in property damage.
Contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Most insurance companies require crash reporting within a day or two of the accident. If you wish to bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or another party in California, you must do so within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Act quickly to avoid missing any critical deadlines.
Protecting Your Future
If you get hurt by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Ontario, protect your future by hiring an accident attorney who specializes in serious automobile collisions. From smart legal strategy development to litigation preparation, your accident attorney will do what it takes to protect your rights in the long term.
Hiring an uninsured or underinsured vehicle accident lawyer in Ontario is the most effective way to recover. Your attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation into your crash to identify all available sources of coverage and collect evidence.
An attorney can help you overcome all of the challenges that may be involved in your case, such as:
- A lack of insurance coverage available for your losses.
- Your own car insurance company rejecting your claim.
- Coordinating a claim between multiple insurers.
- Liability or coverage disputes.
- Insurance policy limit negotiations.
- Proving your damages beyond the coverage available.
If you suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in the crash, it is even more important to trust your case to a personal injury lawyer in Ontario. A lawyer can deal with complex insurance processes while you focus your attention on healing. A specialized vehicle accident attorney from Jacoby & Meyers will know how to handle your case for the best possible results.
Contact an Ontario Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Picking up the pieces and rebuilding your life after a serious car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Ontario is not easy. At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand what you are going through. Our Ontario car accident lawyers, case managers and assistants can make the legal process as simple and successful as possible, in the courtroom and beyond.
We are right where you need us. Our local lawyers are available at 3200 E Guasti Rd. #100, Ontario, CA 91761. Contact us online or call our 24/7 hotline at (909) 316-5154 to schedule your free case consultation.