Glendale Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyers

Back to Top

Helping You Understand Your Options for Recovery

If you are involved in a hit-and-run collision or are injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may feel as though you have no options for recovering compensation. However, this is not necessarily the case. While you obviously cannot collect compensation from the other driver’s insurance provider if you do not have the other driver’s contact information or if the other driver doesn’t have an insurance provider, you may be able to get compensation through your own auto insurance policy. This will depend on whether or not you have what is known as uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI), uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), and/or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

You may be wondering what all these terms mean. An uninsured motorist refers to someone driving without insurance. This goes against California law, as every driver and vehicle in California is required to have auto insurance. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules. Underinsured motorist means that a driver does have insurance, but the policy is limited and will not fully cover the damages caused by the accident. Seeking damages from either an UM or UIM after an accident can be difficult, especially if you’re going up against them alone. That’s where a skilled attorney will be able to help.

Back to Top

California Laws and Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist regulations in California are set by the Uninsured Motorist Act, which is under the California Insurance Code section 11580.2. According to this act, all drivers applying for auto insurance must be offered an UM and UIM coverage policy. It is then up to the driver on whether they choose to keep the policy or not. If your insurance provider did not offer you UM or UIM insurance, then they are not following California law.

Back to Top

Why You Should Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage

While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in California, it is a very good idea to have this type of coverage included in your auto insurance policy. First and foremost, it protects you in the event that you are hit and injured by a motorist that does not have the required minimum liability insurance. It also protects you if you are injured in a hit-and-run incident.

Some of the benefits of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage include:

• Your own auto policy will go into effect if the other driver’s insurance policy does not fully cover your damages (this is a likely scenario if the other driver only has the minimum required liability coverage).
• Damages to your vehicle may be covered by your own auto insurance policy, even if the other driver does not have enough coverage or any coverage at all.
• Certain members of your family will also be covered while they are operating your vehicle.
• You can recover compensation for your medical bills, car repair bills, and other losses if you are unable to get the contact information of the at-fault driver.

The process of filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim can be very complex. It is in your best interest to speak to a skilled attorney who can help you work to recover the fair compensation you are owed.

Back to Top

Who Can Be Covered by an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Policy?

Generally speaking, anyone included on your insurance plan will be covered by your UM and UIM insurance policy. This can include your spouse or your children, meaning they may be able to file a claim as well. It may also cover the other passengers in the car, as well as a driver that isn’t you, so long as that driver had your express permission to drive your vehicle. You, however, will not receive any benefits if you are not in the car during the accident.

These policies may also extend to other types of accidents, such as:

• Pedestrian accidents
• Bike accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Hit and runs

Accepting an UM and UIM insurance policy can save you a lot of grief, stress, and money down the line if you end up involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Back to Top

Representing Injured Individuals Since 1998

For decades, our firm has dedicated itself to fighting for the rights of injured individuals and their loved ones in Glendale, Los Angeles, and throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our Glendale uninsured motorist accident lawyers can help you understand your own auto insurance policy and determine whether or not your injuries, property damage, and other losses are covered. Our goal is to thoroughly investigate each and every case we accept, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of a just settlement or jury verdict on your behalf.

Back to Top

Additional Information

• Prop 213 And Your Accident
• Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists - Insurance Information Institute, Inc.