What happens if both parties don't have insurance in an accident?

Asked by: Monty Boyer  |  Last update: August 21, 2025
Score: 5/5 (11 votes)

If neither party in a car crash has insurance, it is critical to speak to an attorney about your legal rights and options. The evidence may end up showing that the other driver was responsible for the accident, meaning that he or she owes you money rather than the other way around.

What happens if both drivers are uninsured?

There are times when both drivers crash where neither party has any insurance to support compensation for the incident for any damages. The injured person may need to hire a lawyer to pursue compensation if the damages are extensive to include medical bills and an extended loss of income while recovering.

What happens if you don't get someone's insurance after an accident?

Penalties For Failing to Exchange Insurance Information

In California, there are penalties in place for drivers who refuse to provide insurance information after an accident. If someone refuses to give the necessary details, they're committing an infraction and could face a $250 fine.

What is the Oregon law on car accidents?

Oregon is what is called a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means that you can recover damages in a car accident, but only according to your level of negligence. If your negligence is greater than that of the other parties, however, you will be barred from recovering compensation.

What happens if I have no insurance but not at fault?

California is also a “no pay, no play” state, which means that if you are uninsured and not at fault in an accident, you cannot sue the insured at-fault driver for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or inconvenience.

What If Both Parties in Accident Have Same Insurance | Indiana Attorney Explains

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Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

What happens if you get in an accident without insurance in Oregon?

Even if you are not cited, you will get in trouble with the DMV, and will have to buy insurance and the “SR-22 Certificate” to get your license back. If you cause an accident and you are uninsured, then you can be personally sued for money damages by any injured person.

Is Oregon a no-fault accident state?

Oregon is not a “no fault” state. Oregon follows a “fault” based system. In Oregon, the person who was “at fault” for causing the accident is responsible for any damages or harm resulting from the accident. This would include injuries, damage to vehicles, lost income, etc.

What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Oregon?

Auto insurance coverage follows the vehicle, so your car will generally be covered while your relative is driving, the same as if you were driving.

Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?

Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in Texas?

If the driver involved in the accident isn't listed on your insurance policy, the situation becomes more complex. As stated above, in Texas, insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. If you gave permission for someone to drive your car, your insurance should cover the damages resulting from the accident.

What if both parties don't have insurance?

If neither party has insurance then each driver would be responsible for the repair of their own vehicle, or the other party's car if one party changes his/her story & sues in civil court.

Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?

Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.

What happens if another driver refuses to give insurance?

Failing to abide by these requirements leads to penalties, including fines. More significantly, if a driver intentionally refuses to provide their insurance information, it can be considered a misdemeanor under California law. This can lead to further legal consequences, including potential criminal charges.

What happens if you don't report an accident in Oregon?

If you do not file a report when required, Oregon law requires DMV to suspend your driving privileges for five years or until you file a report, whichever is sooner. (ORS 809.417(1)).

What is the grace period for car insurance in Oregon?

The “grace period” for not paying your car insurance premium is short. If you are late on a payment, the insurance company can cancel your policy with just 10 days' notice, as long as the cancellation warning is printed on your bill.

Is Oregon on a fault?

The Cascadia Fault marks the edge of Oregon's active subduction zone.

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.

What happens if you don't pay for a car accident?

A few things could happen if you are sued for a car accident and cannot pay the resulting judgment. The court could garnish your wages, put a lien on your property, or order you to sell assets to come up with the money. If you still cannot pay, you could be sent to jail.

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in California?

Insurance Follows the Car, Not the Driver

Insurance follows the vehicle, so if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance will handle the claim. This is known as permissive use — your policy covers the damage, not theirs. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

What happens if I hit a car but no damage?

* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.

When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?

For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.

Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?

After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.