Palmdale Car Accident Lawyer

How much is a Palmdale car accident case worth?

There is no set value for a Palmdale car accident claim; it depends on factors such as your medical expenses, lost income, injury severity, and the circumstances that establish liability. California generally applies comparative negligence when more than one party shares fault. Crashes on the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14) or multi-vehicle collisions may require additional investigation, and an experienced Palmdale personal injury lawyer can help assess the factors that may affect your claim and guide you through the process.

Palmdale sits at the heart of the Antelope Valley, where State Route 14 and State Route 138 (Pearblossom Highway) carry heavy commuter and freight traffic through the city every day. If you or a loved one was hurt in a wreck here, a Palmdale car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers can review your case and help you pursue compensation from the driver or party at fault. Our attorneys have represented California accident victims for more than 50 years.

Every case is different, so we start by looking closely at what happened to you. Our law firm has produced strong case results for clients across the state, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront, and our attorney fees come from a percentage of the settlement won.

You can read what past clients have said about working with us, leave us a review if you already have, or call now for a free consultation with our car accident team. There is no cost and no obligation to speak with us about your crash in Palmdale.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Palmdale Case

Choosing a car accident lawyer involves more than reviewing credentials. It also means understanding how a firm approaches your case. Jacoby & Meyers brings more than 50 years of experience representing California accident victims, with a process built around three key areas:

1. Experience With California Injury Cases

Jacoby & Meyers was founded in 1972 and has represented California accident victims for more than 50 years. The firm has recovered more than $2 billion through verdicts and settlements across its practice areas. Several of the firm’s partners, including Laura Sedrish, have received recognition from California Super Lawyers.

2. A Process Focused on Your Case

A car accident claim may involve medical records, crash reports, insurance coverage, lost income, and liability questions. Our attorneys review the available evidence, communicate with insurers, and help document the losses connected to your Palmdale accident. When a case involves a collision on SR-14, SR-138, or another local roadway, the crash circumstances can also affect the investigation.

3. Clear Fee Arrangements

We handle Palmdale car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This generally means you pay attorney fees from your recovery rather than upfront. Your specific fee agreement will explain how attorney fees and any case-related costs are handled, so you understand the arrangement before moving forward.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and evidence.

Car Accident Statistics in Palmdale and the Antelope Valley

Palmdale sees a meaningful number of injury crashes each year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Palmdale recorded 955 victims killed or injured in crashes in 2023, ranking 20th out of 62 similarly sized California cities for total fatal and injury collisions. The same report tracked 59 hit-and-run crashes and 79 nighttime crashes between 9:00 p.m. and 2:59 a.m.

These numbers reflect what many Palmdale drivers already know: the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14) corridor and the Pearblossom Highway (SR-138) stretch east of the city see heavy commuter traffic, freight trucks, and long, high-speed straightaways that can turn a routine drive into a serious wreck.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our Palmdale car accident lawyers handle a wide range of crashes involving passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, rideshare vehicles, and construction vehicles. These accidents can occur on busy roads and highways throughout the area, including SR-14 (Antelope Valley Freeway), SR-138 (Pearblossom Highway), Palmdale Boulevard, and Sierra Highway.

If you were injured in a crash in Palmdale or elsewhere in the Antelope Valley, our team can review the circumstances and explain your legal options.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Palmdale

After a car accident in Palmdale, focus on three priorities: protect your health, preserve important evidence, and protect your legal rights. Call for medical help, document what happened if it is safe to do so, and be careful when speaking with insurance companies. These steps can help you move forward with greater clarity while preserving your options for an injury claim.

Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and stay at the scene until law enforcement clears you to leave.
Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, do not show symptoms immediately.
Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details and license plate numbers.
Be careful when discussing fault. Give accurate information when required, but avoid speculating about who caused the crash or making statements about responsibility before the circumstances have been fully reviewed.
Contact a Palmdale car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster.

What Actually Happens After an Accident in Palmdale, CA?

After a car accident in Palmdale, you may need to deal with medical treatment, a crash report, insurance claims, and evidence related to who was at fault. The process can take time, especially when injuries are serious or the crash is still under investigation. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Medical treatment: If you are injured, seek medical care and follow your provider’s treatment recommendations. Keep your medical records, bills, and other treatment documents.
Crash report: Depending on where the collision occurred, the appropriate law enforcement agency may investigate. If the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Palmdale Station handled the investigation, obtaining a copy of the report may take several business days or longer if the investigation is ongoing.
Insurance claim: You may need to report the accident to your insurer and contact the other driver’s insurer. Insurance companies may investigate the crash and evaluate liability and damages.
Evidence and documentation: Photos, witness information, medical records, vehicle damage, and other evidence can help establish what happened and the extent of your losses.
Legal claim: If another party was responsible for your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other damages.

If your injuries are serious, you may be transported to Palmdale Regional Medical Center, located at 38600 Medical Center Drive. Keeping your treatment records and following up with your healthcare providers can help document your injuries and support your claim.

Awards & Memberships

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Palmdale, CA?

Car accidents in Palmdale can happen for many reasons, but speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and failing to yield are common causes. Major routes such as SR-14, SR-138, Palmdale Boulevard, and Sierra Highway carry heavy traffic, and behaviors like speeding or distraction can contribute to collisions.

Speeding on long, straight stretches of SR-14 and Pearblossom Highway
Distracted driving, including phone use at intersections along Palmdale Boulevard
Rear-end collisions during periods of heavier traffic near major routes and intersections
Failure to yield at busy intersections and shopping center access points
Nighttime driving, which can increase the risk of serious collisions and reduce visibility

What Injuries Result from Car Accidents?

Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor strains and bruises to serious or life-changing conditions. Common injuries in car accident claims include whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.

Some injuries, particularly whiplash, other soft-tissue injuries, and concussions, may not cause noticeable symptoms immediately. Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify injuries early and document the treatment needed after the crash.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Crash?

A party whose negligence contributed to the crash may be responsible for resulting damages. Note that the driver who caused the crash is not always the only party liable for a Palmdale car accident. Depending on how the collision happened, liability may extend to an employer, vehicle owner, manufacturer, government entity, or another party whose actions contributed to the crash.

Potentially liable parties may include:

The at-fault driver: A driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent may be responsible for the resulting injuries and losses.
The driver’s employer: An employer may be responsible for an employee’s actions in certain circumstances, such as when the employee causes a crash while performing job-related duties.
A vehicle owner: A vehicle owner may be responsible in certain circumstances, such as when the owner negligently entrusts the vehicle to an unsafe driver.
A vehicle or parts manufacturer: A manufacturer may be liable if a defective vehicle or component contributed to the crash.
A government entity: A public entity may potentially be responsible when a dangerous road condition, defective traffic signal, or inadequate maintenance contributed to a crash. Claims against public entities follow special rules and deadlines.
Another negligent party: Other individuals or businesses may be liable if their actions or failures contributed to the collision.

Under California Civil Code §1714, a person may generally be responsible for injuries caused by negligence or a lack of ordinary care. More than one party can share responsibility for the same crash.

For example, a multi-vehicle collision on SR-14 could involve several drivers, a commercial trucking company, or another responsible party. Determining fault may require reviewing:

Police reports and vehicle damage
Traffic-camera footage and witness statements
Other available crash evidence

Our attorneys can help investigate the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and handle insurance communications.

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Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the crash. This rule comes from Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than barred outright.

Our attorneys can review the circumstances, explain how comparative negligence may apply, and help you understand how a percentage of fault could affect your potential recovery. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about who caused the crash before the circumstances have been fully investigated.

What Compensation May You Be Entitled to After a Palmdale Car Accident?

The compensation available after a Palmdale car accident depends on your injuries, financial losses, property damage, and the facts that establish fault. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may include economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in limited cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial losses you can document with bills, records, and other evidence. Depending on your injuries and losses, these may include:

Emergency room and hospital bills
Doctor visits, physical therapy, and other medical treatment
Prescription medications and medical equipment
Vehicle repairs or the value of a totaled vehicle
Lost wages while you recover
Reduced future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
Mileage and other reasonable costs related to medical treatment
Future medical care or long-term rehabilitation

Keeping medical records, pay stubs, repair estimates, receipts, and other documents can help establish your accident’s financial impact.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address losses that are harder to measure with a bill or receipt. In a serious Palmdale crash, these may include:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement
The impact of serious injuries on your daily activities and relationships

The value of these damages depends on the nature and severity of the injuries, how long recovery takes, and how the accident affects your life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are different from compensation for your actual losses. They are not generally available simply because another driver caused a negligent accident. Under California law, they may be available in limited cases involving particularly wrongful conduct, subject to the requirements of Civil Code §3294.

Because every accident is different, determining what damages you may pursue requires looking at the evidence, your medical condition, your financial losses, and the conduct that caused the crash.

Our attorneys can review your injuries, losses, and supporting records to help identify the damages that may apply to your claim. Jacoby & Meyers has also recovered settlements in motor vehicle cases, including $2 million for a client injured in a car accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation through a lawsuit.

Pitfall Alert: Different deadlines may apply when a government entity, such as Caltrans or the City of Palmdale, is responsible for a crash caused by a dangerous road condition, a defective traffic signal, or another public property issue. Under Government Code §911.2, a claim against a public entity generally must be presented within six months of the injury or damage. Additional requirements may apply, so act promptly.

Separately, California Vehicle Code §16000 requires drivers to file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days of any crash involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. This is separate from your police report and your insurance claim.

Why Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies conduct their own review of liability, injuries, and damages. Your attorney can handle those communications, organize supporting evidence, and help you understand the significance of settlement offers and requests for information.

What to Expect From the Insurance Company

Insurance companies may look for reasons to pay less or question parts of your claim. Knowing what to expect can help you protect your case.

For example, in multi-vehicle crashes on corridors like SR-14, determining fault can be more complicated when multiple drivers may share responsibility. An adjuster may dispute lane changes, following distances, or reaction times when evaluating your claim.

Questioning fault: They may argue you were partly responsible for the crash.
Downplaying injuries: They may question the severity of your injuries or medical treatment.
Pushing a quick settlement: An early offer may not account for your future medical needs or other losses.
Delaying your claim: They may request additional records or information before moving forward.
Disputing damages: They may challenge lost wages, medical costs, or other losses.

How We Help With the Legal Details

A Palmdale auto accident attorney can help manage insurance communications, gather and preserve evidence, document your losses, and negotiate with insurers. If we can’t reach a fair resolution, our attorneys can also prepare your case for litigation.

Managing insurance communications: We can handle communications with the insurer and help protect your interests during the claims process.
Gathering evidence: We can gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other evidence that may support your claim.
Calculating your losses: We can evaluate medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other economic and non-economic damages.
Negotiating a settlement: We can negotiate with the insurance company based on the evidence and losses involved in your case.
Preparing for litigation: If the insurer does not offer a fair settlement, we can prepare your case for litigation and, when appropriate, trial.

What Is the Legal Process After a Palmdale Car Accident?

After a Palmdale car accident, the legal process typically involves investigating the crash, documenting your injuries and losses, filing an insurance claim, negotiating with the insurer, and pursuing litigation if necessary.

Investigate the accident: We review the police or collision report, vehicle damage, witness statements, photographs, and other available evidence to determine how the crash occurred.
Document injuries and losses: We review medical records, treatment bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses to establish the accident’s impact.
Handle the insurance claim: We can communicate with the insurance company, review its position on liability and damages, and negotiate based on the available evidence.
Negotiate a settlement: If the evidence supports a claim, we can work toward a settlement that accounts for the documented losses.
Prepare for litigation: If the insurance company does not resolve the claim, we can prepare for litigation, including discovery, depositions, expert involvement, and trial when appropriate.

The process can vary depending on the severity of the injuries, the number of parties involved, available insurance coverage, and whether liability is disputed.

How Is a Palmdale Car Accident Claim Investigated?

A thorough investigation can help establish how the crash happened, who may be responsible, and how the accident affected you. Jacoby & Meyers can review available evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding your collision.

This may include:

Reviewing the police or collision report
Examining vehicle damage and photographs
Identifying and speaking with witnesses
Reviewing medical records and treatment
Examining available video or electronic evidence
Investigating road, traffic, and vehicle conditions
Identifying potentially responsible parties and insurance coverage

In a multi-vehicle collision on SR-14 or SR-138, determining responsibility may require reviewing evidence from several drivers and vehicles.

How Are Injuries and Damages Documented?

Medical records, bills, employment records, repair estimates, and other documents can help establish the losses caused by a car accident. Our attorneys can review this documentation to help determine the damages supported by your claim.

Depending on your circumstances, these may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses.

How Does the Insurance Claim Process Work?

After a crash, insurance companies may investigate the accident, evaluate liability, request records, and make settlement offers. Jacoby & Meyers can handle communications with insurers, review settlement offers, and negotiate based on the evidence and documented losses.

You should be careful about giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries and losses.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Will Not Offer a Fair Settlement?

If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable resolution, you may need to file a lawsuit. Litigation can involve filing court documents, exchanging evidence, taking depositions, consulting qualified experts, negotiating during the case, and preparing for trial.

Jacoby & Meyers has more than 50 years of experience representing injured Californians and can evaluate whether litigation is appropriate for your case. Our attorneys can prepare the evidence, legal arguments, and supporting documentation needed to pursue your claim.

What Should You Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer Palmdale Residents Can Trust?

Choosing a car accident lawyer in Palmdale involves more than looking at advertising or case results. Consider whether the attorney has extensive experience in car accident claims, can communicate with you about the details of your case, and is ready to go to court when needed.

Experience. Communication. Litigation Readiness.

Relevant Experience

Look for a firm that regularly handles motor vehicle injury claims and understands how to investigate liability, insurance coverage, and damages. Past case results can show the types of matters a law firm has handled. Jacoby & Meyers has recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, although past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.

Clear Communication and Fees

Ask how attorney fees and case-related costs are handled before hiring a lawyer. Jacoby & Meyers generally handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you typically pay attorney fees from the recovery rather than upfront. Your fee agreement will explain the specific terms.

Your attorney should also explain important developments, deadlines, insurance communications, and decisions that may affect your claim. Clear communication helps you understand what is happening and what information or action you may need to provide.

Preparation for Litigation

Many car accident claims are resolved through negotiations, but a lawyer should be prepared to pursue litigation when appropriate. That includes gathering evidence, handling discovery, preparing witnesses and experts when needed, and presenting your case in court if you can’t reach a fair resolution.

Our legal team can review your circumstances and explain how California law may apply to your case.

Testimonials

After a car accident, having a legal team that keeps you informed and helps coordinate your recovery can make the process easier. Clients have shared their experiences working with Jacoby & Meyers, including:

“I was in a car accident last December, and I didn’t know what to expect. I’m so grateful to have been able to connect with her. She communicated the entire process and answered all questions about the situation.”

— Ana Avalos, Google Review

“The Jacoby and Meyers Team helped me through a very difficult Accident. They are so helpful and supportive. It’s great to have them on your side. The team is responsive and answered all my questions.”

— C.A., Google Review

“The whole experience was smooth, straightforward, and way less intimidating than I expected. … I got exactly the payout I felt I deserved after my accident.”

— Castillo Minott, Google Review

Read more client testimonials on the Jacoby & Meyers website.

Disclaimer: Client testimonials describe individual experiences and opinions. They are not city-specific and do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.

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Case Results

While we do not yet have Palmdale-specific settlement figures to publish, the following firm-wide results reflect the kind of outcomes our attorneys have secured in California car accident and injury cases:

$2,000,000 settlement for a 70-year-old client injured in a car accident
$1,990,000 settlement in a personal injury case
$5.1 million | Auto v. Truck
$1.1 million | Auto v. Auto

You can review additional past case results on our site.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts. These results are firm-wide and not specific to Palmdale.

Areas We Serve

Jacoby & Meyers represents injured clients throughout Palmdale and the surrounding Antelope Valley, including:

Palmdale
Lancaster
Littlerock
Pearblossom
Quartz Hill
Other communities throughout the Antelope Valley

Our attorneys serve clients throughout Palmdale and the surrounding communities. Jacoby & Meyers represents clients throughout Palmdale and surrounding Antelope Valley communities. Our attorneys can review car accident claims involving roads and highways throughout the area.

We also represent injury victims through our statewide network of offices, including:

Local Resources for Palmdale Car Accident Victims

If you were injured in a crash in Palmdale, these local resources may help you obtain medical care, accident records, and information about the agencies responsible for investigating or maintaining the roadway.

Hospital & emergency care in Palmdale, CA:

Palmdale Regional Medical Center Emergency Department – a 24-hour, 35-bed emergency department serving Antelope Valley residents, 38600 Medical Center Drive, Palmdale, CA 93551
Antelope Valley Medical Center Trauma Center – the region’s only Level II Trauma Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons, just north of Palmdale at 1600 W Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93534

Crash reports & agencies:

LASD’s Palmdale Station – investigates most local crashes; non-emergency line (661) 272-2400, 750 East Avenue Q, Palmdale, CA 93550
California Highway Patrol – Request a Collision Report – for crashes on state routes like SR-14 and SR-138 within Palmdale city limits
California DMV SR-1 accident reporting portal – file within 10 days of any crash involving injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage
California Office of Traffic Safety – Palmdale Crash Data – the state’s official yearly crash ranking for Palmdale

Roads & signal maintenance:

Caltrans District 7 – maintains state routes through Palmdale, including SR-14 and SR-138 (Pearblossom Highway)
City of Palmdale Traffic & Transportation Division – designs, operates, and maintains the city’s local street signals, signs, and striping; note that Caltrans, not the city, maintains state routes through town

Courts:

Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse – the North District courthouse where most Palmdale car accident lawsuits are filed, 42011 4th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534, (661) 483-5500

For more about California car accident law and your legal options, visit our personal injury practice page, or browse our car accident FAQ library.

Disclaimer: Local resource information is provided for general informational purposes and should be verified with the appropriate agency, as contact details, services, and requirements may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a car accident lawyer cost in California?

Jacoby & Meyers handles qualifying car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees upfront, and our fee is generally a percentage of the recovery if your case results in compensation. The fee agreement explains how we handle attorney fees and any case-related costs.

What does a Palmdale car accident lawyer do?

A Palmdale car accident lawyer investigates your crash, gathers evidence, communicates with insurance companies, documents your injuries and losses, and negotiates for compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can prepare the case for litigation.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Different deadlines can apply in some circumstances. For example, claims involving a government entity may be subject to a much shorter government-claims deadline, so it is important to get legal advice promptly.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

California uses pure comparative negligence, so you can still recover compensation even if you share some fault. Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility under the landmark 1975 ruling that adopted comparative negligence in California, but you are not automatically barred from filing a claim.

What if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance?

You may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, depending on your policy and the circumstances. An attorney can review the available insurance coverage and investigate other potential sources of compensation.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Palmdale?

Call 911 if anyone is injured, remain at the scene, seek medical attention, document the accident if you can do so safely, exchange information with the other driver, and avoid admitting fault. You should also be cautious about giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before understanding your rights.

Do I have to pay upfront, and how does the contingency fee work?

No upfront attorney fee is required for Jacoby & Meyers car accident cases handled on a contingency-fee basis. The attorney fee is paid from your recovery if the case succeeds. Your representation agreement should explain the specific terms.

Support When You’re Dealing With the Aftermath of a Crash

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Palmdale, a car accident attorney Palmdale residents can turn to from Jacoby & Meyers can review your situation and explain your legal options. Our attorneys can help you understand applicable deadlines, insurance issues, and the evidence that may support your claim.

We offer free consultations and handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay upfront attorney fees. Contact Jacoby & Meyers to discuss your case.

Jacoby & Meyers – Los Angeles Office
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450 – PMB# 800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States
Phone: 213-986-9816

Attorney Review

This page was reviewed for legal accuracy by Michael Akiva, Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation at Jacoby & Meyers. Akiva has been admitted to all California state courts since 2006, holds a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, and has recovered millions of dollars for clients in motor vehicle accident, premises liability, and construction injury cases. He is a member of the California Bar, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Consumer Attorneys of California, and has been recognized as a California Super Lawyer. You can learn more about our legal team on our site.

Other Practice Areas

Beyond car accidents, our firm also handles other personal injury cases throughout the Antelope Valley and the rest of California, including:

Other Related Blogs

Learn more about California car accident claims, insurance, injuries, and what to do after a crash:

Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident — Learn why some car accident injuries may not appear immediately and what to do if symptoms develop later.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in California? — Understand California’s requirements for reporting a crash and when you may need to notify the proper authorities.
Tactics Car Insurance Companies Use to Devalue or Deny Valid Claims — Learn about common insurance tactics that could affect the value of your car accident claim.
How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After an Accident in California — Find out how to obtain a California accident report and why it can be important when pursuing compensation.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company? — Learn what to consider before providing a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster after a crash.
Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision? — Understand how fault may be determined when one vehicle rear-ends another and who may be responsible for resulting damages.
What Happens If You Are Hit By an Uninsured Driver in California? — Learn what options may be available when the driver responsible for your accident does not have adequate insurance.