Pasadena Uninsured And Underinsured Motorist Accidents Attorney
Most Southern California drivers carry a certain amount of uninsured motorist (UM) insurance. After an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM), though, it quickly becomes obvious how hard it can be to collect full and fair money damages from your own insurance company.
Our personal injury litigation attorney at McNally Law Office has been helping people with every part of their car accident claims since 1993. Frank R. McNally will work hard to protect your rights and ensure that the insurance adjuster takes the full extent of your injuries and losses seriously. He handles all uninsured motorist claims on contingency. You won’t pay him unless he helps you recover money damages.
The Difference Between Uninsured And Underinsured Motorists
To be clear, it is illegal to drive a vehicle or own a vehicle without having insurance in California. Those who do not have insurance can have their licenses suspended and their vehicles impounded. But not all insurance policies are created equally, and not everyone follows the law.
By law, if a motorist has car insurance, then that insurance must cover the bodily injuries that the driver caused someone else in an accident. That coverage must include up to $15,000 in damages to any one injured person and up to $30,000 for two or more injured people. The insurance must also cover any property damage the driver caused, up to $5,000. If you have a personal injury attorney, the damages will be pursued in a civil case for this money.
All vehicle owners have the option to purchase UM/UIM coverage. If you have this insurance and the driver who caused the accident or injury does not have insurance, then your own policy – the UIM – will cover all the medical expenses for you and your passengers as well as property damages or repairs that are not covered by collision insurance, up to $3,500.
However, California law prohibits drivers from stacking insurance policies in the event of an accident, so it is important to ensure that you have sufficient coverage before an accident. You cannot purchase it after an accident, and the minimum UIM coverage will go quickly in the event of even a short hospital stay.
What Steps Should You Take If You Are Involved In An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver?
If you are in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance in California, being proactive can safeguard your interests and streamline the claims process.
Take the following vital steps if possible:
- Prioritize safety: First, assess any injuries and, if feasible, relocate to a secure area. Dial 911 if there are injuries or substantial property damage.
- Record the incident: Capture photographs of the accident site, vehicle damage and any injuries sustained. This documentation is vital for insurance purposes and any legal matters.
- Exchange details: Gather the other driver’s contact information, vehicle details and insurance status. Even if they are not insured, obtaining this information is essential.
- Identify witnesses: Collect contact details and statements of anyone who saw the crash. Their accounts can provide important third-party perspectives on the accident.
- Report to police: In California, filing a police report is advisable for accidents with significant damage or injuries. This report can serve as an official record of the event.
- Inform your insurer: Notify your insurance provider about the accident promptly. California mandates that insurers offer UIM coverage, which can assist with covering your losses.
- Call a lawyer: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney, particularly if you encounter issues with your claim or need to take legal action.
- Get a medical checkup: Obtain a medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
By following these steps, you can protect yourself physically and financially when seeking fair compensation.
Our Lawyer Goes Beyond Your UIM Coverage
Trial attorney McNally will thoroughly investigate your accident and begin negotiations for a fair settlement offer as quickly as possible. He will do everything possible to avoid a costly trial against your own insurance company, but he won’t push you into accepting a settlement that isn’t fair. Our lawyer can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against your underinsured motorist policy for any type of accident involving a motor vehicle, including:
- Auto crashes, including passenger injuries
- Motorcycle passenger injuries
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Hit-and-runs
- Railroad crossing accident passenger injuries
Hire a lawyer who will step up for you. Our attorney will look for every available source of money for your claim. In addition to filing an injury and property claim against your UIM policy, he will search for compensation that may be available under your individual homeowner’s policy. He will also hold responsible other parties who may be held liable for your injuries. This can include any product liability for an auto defect that may have contributed to your injuries.
Discuss Your Accident Claim With Our Attorney
If you have questions about your accident claim, our lawyer is ready to listen. Contact us to schedule your free consultation by calling our office in Pasadena at 626-389-8590 or sending us a message. We serve car accident victims in Glendale and throughout the Los Angeles area.