California State law requires all drivers to carry liability car insurance. However, over 14.7% of drivers were uninsured in 2012 according to the Insurance Information Institute. So, what does it mean if you are involved in an uninsured/underinsured car accident in Santa Ana and Anaheim? The damages you can possibly recover for bodily injury may be hard to obtain unless you have uninsured or underinsured coverage.
Contact our dedicated car accident attorneys for assistance in filing your insurance claim. Our attorneys are experienced with negotiating with insurance companies. We make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Read on to learn more about uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage and how we can help you.
California State law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage. Uninsured insurance coverage, also referred to as uninsured motorist bodily injury insurance, will cover you and your passengers’ medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages arising from a car accident with an uninsured driver in Santa Ana or Anaheim.
This type of coverage also applies if you are injured by a hit-and-run driver. In some cases, the negligent driver may have liability insurance coverage. However, the coverage may not be enough to cover your bodily injuries. Remember, you must have a policy that includes uninsured insurance coverage to file a claim against it.
Example: You are rear-ended by a motorcycle driver who is completely at fault under California State law. The motorcycle driver has no car insurance. As a result of your injuries, you miss work for a month without receiving any wages. You file an uninsured claim with your car insurance provider. Because you were not at fault for the accident, the claim reimburses your lost wages up to your policy limit.
Underinsured insurance coverage exists to financially protect you from irresponsible drivers. If you are involved in a car accident with an at-fault driver whose liability limits are too low to cover the medical expenses for your bodily injuries, underinsured motorist coverage will provide relief. The at-fault driver’s insurance provider will pay for your bodily damages up to his/her policy limits, and your underinsured insurance coverage will pay for the excess amount up to your policy limits.
You will have to file a claim with your insurance company in order to receive compensation. If you are determined to be at-fault for the accident, uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage will not cover your bodily injuries. Our attorneys can help you file a claim and protect your legal rights in obtaining compensation.
Example: A drunk driver runs a red light and slams into the side of your car. You incur bodily injuries as a result of the accident. The at-fault drunk driver provides you with his insurance information, and you file a claim. The driver’s insurance is too low to cover your medical expenses that stem from the accident. Fortunately, you have underinsured motorist coverage that will provide relief. The drunk driver’s insurance company will compensate you for damages up to the policy limits. Your underinsured coverage will pay for the excess amount of expenses up to your policy limit.
Our car accident attorneys are here to assist you with obtaining the legal relief you deserve. Call our firm today at (949) 502-8600 for more information about how we can help you get the benefits and financial compensation you deserve after an uninsured/underinsured car accident in Santa Ana and Anaheim.
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