Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

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UPDATED: Jun 19, 2018

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Although you are required by law to carry car insurance in most states, you may be able to recover money for your injuries or damages from the parties at fault even if you do not have car insurance. If you were involved in an auto accident that was completely the fault of the other driver, not having insurance will not stop you from being compensated for your loss.

In some states you may be prevented from receiving full compensation for car accident bodily injuries if you were driving without insurance.For example, in California, a driver who is in a car accident without insurance is not compensated for pain and suffering even if that driver was not at fault. The driver in such a situation, who is in a car accident without insurance, is only compensated for medical bills and special damages. Special damages are direct monetary losses suffered by the injured individual, in the form of medical bills, lost wages, and the like.

On the other hand, if you are caught in a car accident without insurance in which you were found to be fully or partially at fault, you would be liable for the damages suffered by the other driver and could conceivably have to pay out of your own pocket!Additionally, being caught in a car accident without insurance in a state that has insurance law could subject you to steep penalties and fines.

Whenever you are involved in car accident without insurance, it is a good idea to consult with a car accident attorney, particularly one who deals with automobile accidents and personal injury cases. He or she would best be able to advise you concerning your rights and responsibilities with respect to the accident and how you should proceed in dealing with it. An attorney would also be able to advise you how to recoup any damage if you have been involved in a car accident without insurance.