A car accident with a motorist who does not carry insurance or does not carry enough insurance to cover your damages, can make an already bad situation worse. Although Californians must drive with at least minimum coverage auto insurance, hundreds fail to obey this law every day. Drivers who negligently don’t acquire insurance, allow gaps in coverage, or don’t carry the minimum amount are risking themselves and other motorists on the roadways.

Dealing with an uninsured motorist who caused you significant personal injuries or property damage involves a lengthier insurance claim process. It may be in your best interest to hire an attorney to speak with your insurance company on your behalf, freeing up your energy to focus on recovery. In some circumstances, bringing a personal injury claim against the other driver may be your most rewarding option. If you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in San Bernardino, come to Estey & Bomberger for legal help.

What to Do After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver

1. Keep Your Cool. If you find yourself in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured driver, remain calm.
2.  Call the police to report the accident. This is a good idea after any car accident, but it’s especially important when dealing with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. With the police involved, the driver can’t give you fake information or continue driving without insurance.
3. Gather information about the accident. This includes the police report number and other driver’s contact info. Photographs of the crash are also helpful, especially if you end up taking the driver to court. If you’ve sustained any injuries in the accident, go to the hospital for treatment. Keep copies of your medical bills, including those for the ambulance ride, any tests done at the hospital and during overnight stays.
4. Contact Insurance. Call your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Tell the agent that the other driver was under or uninsured. They will advise on the next steps to take.

What is Underinsured Driver Coverage?

Your insurance agent will tell you whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if such a driver strikes your vehicle and causes damages, paying for injuries to you and other vehicle passengers. Underinsured motorist coverage limits costs for bodily injuries.

Twenty-one states make this coverage mandatory, but it’s optional in California. If you choose not to buy this type of coverage, you will have to sign a waiver stating that the company offered you this option and you turned it down. When you make an uninsured claim, it is against your own insurance company instead of that of the other driver’s. Your own insurance company will pay your damages or partial damages if the other driver is underinsured. And you would make a claim only if your uninsured driver coverage is greater than that of the underinsured driver’s coverage.

When to Call an Attorney

In a car accident case involving bodily/property damage and an uninsured or underinsured motorist, insurance companies can take advantage of the confusion to offer a smaller settlement than you deserve. A San Bernardino underinsured accident attorney works for you, not an insurance company. The lawyers at Estey & Bomberger have your best interests in mind and can help you navigate a complex car accident case involving an at-fault driver with inadequate insurance.

Our attorneys can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the payment for damages you deserve. If you do not carry uninsured motorist coverage, our law offices may be able to secure you compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If you do file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you may be able to receive compensation for injuries, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call our San Bernardino office at 909-882-2016 to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney today!