Expert: Ron Cercone - 1/28/2009

Question
I was involved in an accident in CA where I was not at fault. I was driving on a main road when a car made a legal U-Turn and crashed into the side of me. My insurance and registration had just recently expired. I was not cited on the scene by the police officers. My question is what to expect now? If I go after the other parties insurance company will I just be opening myself up to more trouble?  I know that there is a fine for driving uninsured and unregistered in CA but I would be willing to pay it if I can receive compensation for my totaled car. All I am looking for is for some advice on what steps I should take. Thank you

Answer
1. Well, first call the DMV and ask this as a "what if" theoretical question (so they don't ask you for your identification). You are calling for a friend who is thinking of getting a car and wants to know all the possible costs.

2. Ask what the penalty is to re-register and what is the fine for driving without insurance (you can call the local police on this).

3. If the car is worth more than all the penalties and fines, then make the claim. If you retain the salvage, then you don't have to worry about an auto wrecker notifying the DMV. But I don't know about the insurance adjuster or appraiser, if their computer automatically reports claimants or 3rd party vehicles. They do report the vehicles they insure that are in accidents. Call a claim office for the other drivers insurer in another city and ask the question.

4. Call a local accident attorney.