If you have been in the unfortunate situation of being involved in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist, rest assured—you are not alone. According to the Insurance Research Council, California ranks 10th among the states with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers—16.6% of motorists! This is significantly higher than the national average of 16.6%.
Experience with Uninsured Motorist Car Accidents
It is essential to follow some critical steps so that your situation has the best possible outcome. We have helped many clients deal with this situation and offer a free, no-obligation consultation at which you may ask questions. We will evaluate your case, and if we offer to represent you, there will be no fee until you win a settlement.
This blog and case study will help you better understand how to handle accidents involving uninsured motorists.
Immediate Actions Following an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
First, could you call the police? You’ll need to report the accident to law enforcement, who will generate an official police report. A police report is critical in car accidents, especially involving motorists without insurance.
Next, collect as much information as possible about the accident, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Also, gather contact information from witnesses, if any can be found.
Finally, call an experienced car accident attorney and schedule a consultation.
Insurance Claims and Uninsured Motorists
Call an attorney to help you initiate the claims process if needed. Then, notify your insurance company and report the accident. Many insurers have specific deadlines for filing claims, often within 30 days.
Ask your insurer if you have uninsured motorist coverage (UMC). This coverage can help pay for medical bills and property damage caused by an uninsured driver. You may be able to file a claim under your collision coverage if you do not have UMC. However, this may not cover medical expenses.
Your car accident attorney can help walk you through the process and explain your compensation options.
Legal Actions
Your attorney’s job is to protect your rights and fight for you to receive fair compensation. An experienced car accident attorney can explain how California laws concerning uninsured motorists affect your situation.
Hypothetical Case Study: A Head-On Collision with an Uninsured Motorist
One sunny afternoon in Sacramento, Maria, a 55-year-old marketing executive, was running some errands during her lunch break when another vehicle struck her head-on. The other driver, Mark, had no insurance. The collision totaled Maria’s car and left her with extensive injuries, including two broken arms, a severely sprained foot, and a severe concussion. Maria’s recovery would be lengthy and require her to be on long-term disability benefits since she would be unable to work while healing and undergoing physical therapy. Her medical bills would be significant and ongoing in the foreseeable future. Although Mark did not have car insurance, he did have other assets. Thankfully, Maria had uninsured motorist coverage as part of her auto insurance policy. With the help of a car accident attorney, she filed a claim immediately so that her lost income and medical bills would be covered. Here, the attorney ensured she received the long-term disability benefits to which she was entitled. Maria also suffered significant mental trauma that rendered her highly anxious, which prolonged her healing. Her attorney pursued legal action against Mark to recover additional pain and suffering damages.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need help, call one of our Stockton car accident attorneys at (209) 323-5126 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless you win a settlement.
