Getting into a car accident is a stressful and overwhelming experience. But when the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have car insurance, the situation can become even more complicated. If you’ve been injured in a collision with an uninsured motorist in Riverside, California, you may be wondering how you’ll recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
You may still get paid through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, often called UM/UIM. If you don’t have UM/UIM insurance, you may have the right to seek compensation through other legal avenues. In most situations, however, you’ll find it challenging to claim damages, even when you’re dealing with your own insurance company.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an uninsured motorist, don’t hesitate to contact Gavel Law Firm for a free consultation. Our team is ready to provide the legal support and guidance you need to navigate the complexities of your case. Call us today at (951) 289-0202 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.
What is an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
An uninsured motorist accident is a car accident caused by a driver who does not have liability insurance. California law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage they cause others in an accident. However, many drivers violate this law and drive without insurance.
There are also situations where a driver may have insurance, but the coverage is not enough to cover all of your damages. This is known as an underinsured motorist accident. Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help you recover compensation in these situations.
What to Do After an Auto Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you’ve been injured in a car accident with an uninsured driver, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Call the police. Apart from this being a legal requirement in California accidents, you’ll also want to create a police report. The police report will be essential evidence in your insurance claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel any pain immediately after the accident, it’s important to see a doctor to get checked out for any injuries. Be sure to keep all of your medical records and bills.
- Gather evidence. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any injuries you sustained. Also try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Contact your insurance company. Report the accident to your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Let them know that the other driver was uninsured.
- Contact a Riverside uninsured motorist lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, fight for the compensation you deserve, and protect your rights.
Why You Need Riverside Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Services for Your Claim
Getting injured by an uninsured driver can leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain about your options. Medical bills can pile up quickly and lost wages can strain your finances. Worse, insurance companies often make it difficult for injured claimants like you to receive compensation – even when you’re claiming from your own insurer.
An experienced Riverside uninsured motorist lawyer at Gavel Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the important ways a lawyer can assist you:
1. Investigating All Potential Sources of Compensation
While the lack of insurance from the at-fault driver is a significant hurdle, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of luck. A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to uncover all potential sources of compensation. This investigation may include:
- Reviewing the police report and witness statements: The police report will contain details about the accident scene, driver statements, and any contributing factors. Witness statements can provide valuable insight into how the accident unfolded.
- Examining the vehicles involved: An attorney may collaborate with an accident reconstruction specialist to analyze the vehicles involved in the crash. This can help determine the cause of the accident and identify any factors that may have contributed.
- Looking for additional liable parties: In some cases, there may be other parties who share responsibility for the accident. For example, if a defective car part caused the accident, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident and driving a company vehicle, their employer may be held vicariously liable.
2. Negotiating with Your Insurance Company
If the at-fault driver is uninsured and you have UM/UIM coverage, you’ll file a claim with your own insurer. This insurance coverage should pay for your losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements, even if you have a legitimate claim and have been diligently paying your premiums. The insurance company may dispute your claim, minimize your injury, or unreasonably delay the process.
An experienced lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.
3. Filing a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver
While it may seem pointless to sue a driver with no insurance, there can be strategic benefits to doing so. A judgment in your favor can establish the at-fault driver’s legal responsibility for the accident. This judgment can be used to garnish the driver’s wages or future assets if they come into any money. Additionally, if the uninsured driver acquires insurance in the future, the judgment can be used to collect damages from their new policy.
4. Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Legal Process
The legal process can be complex and confusing, especially after an accident. An experienced lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, freeing you to focus on your recovery. Your lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly, and you are kept informed throughout the process. They will also represent you in any negotiations with insurance companies or court appearances.
While dealing with an uninsured motorist can be stressful, Gavel Law Firm’s uninsured motorist lawyers can help. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Why Choose Gavel Law Firm for Uninsured Motorist Cases
Gavel Law Firm stands out for its strong client advocacy and personalized legal representation. Our leading car accident attorney Bryan A. Mason brings a unique perspective to personal injury law, having previously worked for insurance companies. Now a committed accident lawyer, his insider knowledge allows us to anticipate and counteract the tactics often used by insurers to minimize payouts.
By choosing Gavel Law Firm, clients benefit from a dedicated team that is passionate about securing justice and fair compensation for those injured in accidents.
Services Offered by Gavel Law Firm – Trusted Car Accident Attorney
Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Automobile Collisions
- Truck Collisions
- Motorcycle Crashes
- Bicycle Collisions
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Wrongful Death Cases
- Premises Liability Disputes
- Child Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Catastrophic Accidents
- Defective Product Claims.
We offer comprehensive legal services to protect our clients’ rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court, Gavel Law Firm provides top-tier legal representation every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions: Uninsured Motorist Injury
What happens after an accident with an uninsured driver in California?
After an accident with an uninsured driver in California, individuals may still be able to recover compensation for their injuries and property damage. There are options such as uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured insurance coverage, and seeking compensation through programs like Medi-Cal to help mitigate the financial impact of the accident.
What happens if someone hits me and I don’t have insurance in California?
Even if you do not have insurance and are hit by another driver in California, you may still be able to seek compensation for economic losses such as medical expenses and property damage. However, California’s “no pay, no play” law may limit the non-economic damages you can claim. To pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to, consult our uninsured motorist accident lawyer at Gavel Law Firm.
Can someone sue you for a car accident if you have insurance in California?
Yes, individuals can still sue you for a car accident even if you have insurance in California. While motorist insurance may provide some coverage, accident victims may choose to file a lawsuit to pursue additional compensation.
How can you protect yourself in case of an uninsured motorist collision?
In California, it’s helpful to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage can help ensure that you receive the necessary compensation even if the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Do I need to report a Riverside uninsured motorist accident to the police?
Yes, under California state law, you must report any accident that involves death, or injury or property damage over $1,000. Report it to local police or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours, and to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. Ask the law enforcers for a copy of your crash report.
Call a Riverside Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
If you’re unsure how to proceed after a crash with an uninsured motorist in Riverside, contact us at Gavel Law Firm. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. During the consultation, we will review the details of your accident and explain your legal options. We will also discuss how we can help you recover compensation for your damages.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact us today at (951) 289-0202 to schedule a free consultation.
