In a typical car accident situation, the drivers involved are supposed to pull over to the side of the road and exchange name, contact, and insurance information. This is required by law; fleeing the scene of an accident without completing these steps can lead to criminal penalties. However, what happens when you get into an accident with a driver who claims not to have insurance? How will the damage to your vehicle be paid? If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage, you can file a claim for compensation through your own insurance company.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is Required in California
In California, drivers are required to carry at least $15,000 ($30,000 per accident minimum) in Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, $5,000 in Property Damage Liability Coverage, $15,000/$30,000 in Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage, and $3,500 in Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage. Failure to carry adequate insurance pursuant to California law makes the driver liable for the costs of any accident that they cause, in addition to other civil penalties. Unfortunately, approximately one in three drivers in California is uninsured or underinsured.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage isn’t limited to just drivers. The following people are also protected by this coverage:
- Family members of policyholders
- Passengers of vehicles
- Bystanders
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
Seeking Compensation after a Car Accident
A driver who chooses to drive without insurance and causes an accident can be held financially responsible for their negligence. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important to contact an experienced Northern California car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley. We encourage you to contact our firm today to speak with us about your accident and your legal options. We understand how stressful it can be in the aftermath of a car accident, which is why our goal is to lift the burden from your shoulders and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Let us help you obtain full and fair compensation. Call today to schedule a free personal injury consultation.