Sacramento Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney

Representing Injury Victims Throughout California

At Del Rio & Caraway, P.C., we understand the challenges and stress that come with being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. These types of accidents can leave victims feeling overwhelmed, unsure of their legal rights, and burdened with significant financial and emotional hardships. As your trusted Sacramento uninsured motorist accident lawyers, we are here to guide you through the complexities of these claims and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call (916) 229-6755 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What is an Uninsured Motorist?

An uninsured motorist is a driver who does not have any auto insurance coverage. Despite California law requiring all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, many drivers operate their vehicles without coverage. This can be due to financial constraints, negligence, or other reasons. When an uninsured motorist causes an accident, it creates a significant challenge for the injured party to recover damages, as the at-fault driver has no insurance to cover medical expenses, property damage, or other losses.

What is an Underinsured Motorist?

An underinsured motorist is a driver who carries some auto insurance but does not have enough coverage to fully compensate for the damages they cause in an accident. For example, if the cost of your medical bills and vehicle repairs exceeds the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you may find yourself responsible for the remaining expenses. This situation is unfortunately common, as many drivers only purchase the minimum required insurance, which often falls short of covering serious accidents.

UM & UIM Coverage in California

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are optional additions to your auto insurance policy in California. These coverages are designed to protect you in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Here’s what you need to know:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): This coverage compensates you for damages caused by a driver who has no insurance. It can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): This kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. UIM coverage can help bridge the gap between what their insurance pays and the actual costs of your injuries and losses.

In California, insurance companies are required to offer UM and UIM coverage as part of your policy. However, policyholders have the option to decline it in writing.

What Happens If I Don’t Have UM Coverage?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist and do not have UM or UIM coverage, recovering compensation becomes significantly more challenging. Without this coverage, your options may include:

• Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit: You may need to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, uninsured motorists often lack the financial resources to pay for damages, making it difficult to recover meaningful compensation.
• Relying on Health Insurance: Your health insurance may cover medical expenses, but it won’t address other damages like lost wages or property damage.
• Paying Out of Pocket: In the absence of UM or UIM coverage, you could be left covering the costs of the accident yourself.

UM and UIM coverage provide a crucial safety net, ensuring you have financial recourse even when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

How Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced Sacramento uninsured motorist accident lawyers at Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you need to move forward.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Investigating Your Claim: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and identify all potential sources of compensation.
• Communicating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and confusing. We handle all communications to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is taken seriously.
• Filing Claims and Lawsuits: Whether pursuing compensation through your UM/UIM policy or filing a personal injury lawsuit, we will guide you through every step of the process.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Our team will fight to secure compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Contact us onlineor via phone at (916) 229-6755today!