Although it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle in California without adequate automobile insurance, this is something that thousands of drivers do every day. If you get into a car accident in Sacramento and discover that the other driver does not have insurance, it’s important to protect your legal rights by contacting our Sacramento car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers.
Since 1972, our law firm has represented hard-working individuals and families in California in the fight for justice against negligent parties. We are a reputable and experienced Sacramento personal injury law firm that can help you get through this hard time. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more.
$2B+ Recovered For Our Clients
No Insurance Doesn’t Mean No Recovery for You
We know how to get compensation even from uninsured drivers.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers
- With over 50 years of experience, we are experts in serious automotive cases. We can handle accidents involving cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, rideshare vehicles, motorcycles, injured bicyclists and pedestrians, and uninsured and underinsured drivers.
- We are one of the most successful and reputable law firms in California. We have achieved over $2 billion in settlements for our clients and have a 99 percent success rate. One of our most notable recent wins earned $19 million for a rideshare accident victim.
- Our team of attorneys has decades of experience navigating California’s car accident laws. With a local law office right in Sacramento (1215 K St., 17th Floor), we also understand local traffic laws and court systems.
- There are no fees unless we win your case. You won’t be charged anything in attorney’s fees unless we successfully secure financial compensation for your losses. This is known as operating on a contingency fee basis.
Understanding California’s Insurance Requirements
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in California without maintaining at least the required minimum amounts of automobile insurance. This is the law under California Vehicle Code § 16020.
As of 2025, the mandatory insurance amounts are:
- $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident (more than one person)
- $15,000 in property damage insurance
Drivers in California must carry proof of insurance with them and have it available to show to a law enforcement officer upon request at a traffic stop or after a car accident.
What Happens When the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance
Driving without insurance can result in a fine ranging from $100 to $500 in addition to driver’s license suspension and vehicle impoundment. The State of California takes this infraction seriously, as it affects the well-being of the public. An uninsured driver may not have the means to pay for the damage he or she causes in an automobile accident.
Your Options for Recovery
If you get into a crash with an uninsured driver in Sacramento, you may not be able to carry out the standard procedure of filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company in pursuit of financial benefits. Instead, your options for financial recovery may include:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) claim: a claim filed with your own car insurance company. UM is an optional type of coverage, but it must be rejected in writing. It is first-party insurance that can pay for your medical bills and property damage.
- Civil lawsuit: if the uninsured driver has assets that could be seized and used to pay for your losses, a civil lawsuit may be an option. However, many drivers who don’t have insurance do not have the means to pay for accidents out of pocket.
- Third-party claim: holding a third party liable may be a possibility if someone other than the uninsured driver is to blame, such as the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part, the employer of the uninsured driver or the Sacramento government (for a road defect).
After a motor vehicle accident in Sacramento, the claims process will look different for you if the other driver does not have insurance. Whether or not you have UM insurance coverage, you have legal rights. An attorney can help you understand them and overcome the challenges associated with your case.
Types of Compensation Available
As the victim of an uninsured motorist accident in Sacramento, you may still be eligible for financial compensation for various losses. Filing a first-party or a third-party claim could result in payment for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Work with our attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to maximize your financial recovery. Our team regularly achieves settlements for our clients that are more than 10 times the original offer through aggressive negotiation and litigation.
Sacramento Car Accident Laws and Deadlines
Understanding the car accident laws that apply to your uninsured motorist case in Sacramento can give you a better idea of your rights and legal options.
Statute of Limitations in California
It is important to act quickly if you wish to file a lawsuit in connection with your uninsured driver accident in Sacramento. California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1 gives you no more than two years from the date of your crash to take legal action, with a few exceptions. If you wait too long and miss this statute of limitations, you will most likely lose the ability to recover compensation from an at-fault party.
Comparative Negligence Law
In California, a car accident victim can be assigned part of the blame and still receive partial financial compensation.Under CCP § 1714, if an individual is found to be responsible for his or her own injuries by less than 100 percent, the person can still recover financial damages from another party. However, the compensation awarded will be reduced by an amount equivalent to his or her proportion of fault.
Get Started With Your Sacramento Uninsured Car Accident Case
If you wish to receive personalized legal guidance and representation from a lawyer during your uninsured driver accident case, contact Jacoby & Meyers. We will investigate your crash, gather evidence to help prove liability, locate an uninsured driver’s assets, work with accident reconstruction experts and explore all recovery possibilities on your behalf.
We are dedicated to aiding victims of motor vehicle accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers. We proudly represent clients in Sacramento and throughout California. Schedule your free consultation with one of our local lawyers to learn more about your case. We will take immediate action to protect your rights. Call (916) 269-8918.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sacramento
1215 K St 17th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814 United States