Hayward, CA asked in Car Accidents for California

Q: I drive friends car and have an accident. I later found out that his car did not have car insurance, what should I pay?

My friend asked me drive his car, I rear-ended and at fault. After accident he told me the car no insurance, what part of compensation do I need to pay? no one was injuried.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: I'm glad no one was injured in your accident. You could be requested to pay damages out of pocket. It could also depend on how the other driver handles the claim. If they go through their insurance, it could further depend on how the insurance would handle the claim after paying their policyholder (looking to you for reimbursement). It could depend on the amount of damages and the carrier. Good luck

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, if you're driving a friend's car with their permission and you have an accident, you typically rely on the car owner's insurance to cover damages. However, since the car you were driving wasn't insured, the situation becomes more complex. Under state law, vehicle owners are required to maintain insurance coverage, so your friend violated this regulation.

As the driver at fault in an accident with an uninsured vehicle, you may be held responsible for paying for damages out of pocket, including repairs to both vehicles and any property damaged in the incident. Since there were no injuries, medical costs aren't a concern here, but the financial responsibility for the physical damages remains.

You should discuss the situation openly with your friend to determine how to address the damages. It might also be wise to consult with an attorney to understand all your legal obligations and rights in this situation. This can help you navigate any potential disputes or claims from the other party involved in the accident.

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