How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in California?

Going through a car accident can be one of the most overwhelming experiences anyone can have. None of us wish for this type of accident to happen. Unfortunately, every year, thousands of people are victims of negligent, careless, reckless drivers in the U.S. However, you don’t have to go through this moment alone. Our California personal injury attorneys can help.

To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call The Law Offices of Bamieh and De Smeth PLC, today at (805) 643-5555.

What Happens if an Uninsured Motorist Crashes My Vehicle in California?

You may be on the road on the way to work, to drop your kids at school, or returning home after a long day of work. Without notice, a negligent driver crashes into your car, causing damages and injuries. To make matters worse, the at-fault driver has no insurance. What can you do in such a situation? If you can relate to this type of situation, there are several things you should do.

First, you should call the police as soon as possible. No matter if the other driver has no insurance coverage, calling the police should be your priority. The reason behind calling the police is to get a crash report. Once you call the police, they will dispatch an officer who will assess the crash scene. Additionally, they will be in charge of interviewing witnesses and asking you and the other party for a statement. During this time – and if the police officer asks for a statement – be as clear and accurate as possible. Once all the information has been gathered, the police officer will render a report. This report can be precious, especially in the case of an insurance claim.

Additionally, make sure to gather all relevant information from the other driver. For instance, after a crash, you should ask the other party for their name, address, phone number, e-mail, and insurance information. Be as thorough as you can. All the information you collect can help you down the road in future procedures.

It is possible the at-fault party may want to offer you money to get off the hook. In the heat of the moment, may people may feel tempted to accept these offers. However, you should not take any settlement before talking to your lawyer first.

Furthermore, make sure to take as many pictures as you can. Basically, every smartphone on the market is equipped with a camera. Therefore, you should be able to gather this information instantaneously.

Who Will Pay for My Losses After a Car Crash?

After being involved in a crash, you may wonder who will pay for all of your losses. California has stringent laws requiring drivers to carry driver’s insurance. Drivers without insurance who are involved in an accident, and are found liable for the crash, may face dire consequences. For instance, if you were at-fault for a car accident and have no insurance, you will be responsible for covering all losses experienced by all other victims.

This means the uninsured at-fault party will be responsible for paying for your medical bills, damage to your property, and other losses stemming from the accident. It is wise to carry uninsured motorist coverage to make sure you are compensated even if the other driver has no insurance.

Many people may tend to think uninsured drivers are not able to pay for your losses. Therefore, many car accident victims in California don’t pursue a lawsuit against the liable parties. While a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver may not be the best option available, you should keep it in the back of your mind. It is hard to tell whether the other driver has enough resources to pay for the losses you experimented during the accident. This is something that can be achieved by retaining the services of a skilled, knowledgeable, dedicated personal injury attorney. With a lawyer by your side, you can discover whether the other driver can pay for your damages. Additionally, you can find all the options available to you after being involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist.

How Much Can I Expect from My California Car Accident Claim?

Knowing how much they can recover for their loses after a car accident is a significant concern among many victims. Unfortunately, there is no straight answer when it comes to compensation for personal injuries. Many variables can affect the amount of money you can expect from your personal injury case. For instance, one of the things to consider when filing a personal injury claim is the extent of your injuries. Furthermore, the concession of compensation for your injuries will depend on whether you can prove that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries and losses. This can be achieved by a skilled, experienced lawyer who understands how the whole process works.

California Car Accident Attorneys Offering Free Consultations

If a negligent uninsured driver injured you or a loved one, we may be able to help. Thanks to decades of hands-on experience working on thousands of cases, we have developed the necessary skills to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. Don’t let the negligence of an uninsured motorist affect your life and the life of your family. Trust our California personal injury lawyers. To learn more about your case, in a free, confidential consultation, call Bamieh and De Smeth, PLC, today at (805) 643-5555.