Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Irvine

Finding the right insurer with the appropriate amount of coverage is vital before getting behind the wheel of any vehicle. State laws also require a minimum amount of coverage. However, when you can afford it, you should always ensure you have adequate coverage for various circumstances. It is a state law that every driver on the road has coverage, and yet, motorists continue to break these laws and drive with inadequate coverage or no coverage at all. Uninsured motorists are a big issue in California, and every driver should ensure they have adequate coverage for these situations.

When you are in a car accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist in Irvine, it is always a good idea to meet with legal counsel as soon as possible. A skilled car accident attorney could help you review your options and choose the best route to recover compensation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Many policyholders know little to nothing about the underinsured and uninsured portion of their policy. However, it is always a part of their policy unless they manually select to remove the coverage when they purchased the insurance.

This portion of the policy protects the driver when they are in a collision and the at-fault motorist has insufficient or non-existent insurance coverage. The driver’s policy will protect them and provide the compensation they need to cover the costs of treating their injuries. When the driver has this coverage, it can sometimes provide them with a much higher claim value than the insurance company’s settlement amount would be. An attorney experienced with Irvine uninsured motorist collisions could answer questions on how this coverage works.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage helps the driver pay for any damages that an at-fault driver who does not have insurance coverage cannot pay.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage protects the driver when they sustain injuries in a crash with an at-fault driver who has insufficient coverage amounts. Insufficient coverage means their limits are not high enough to cover the full amount of damages that the other driver suffered.

Insurance Carrier Requirements

State law requires every insurer to offer policyholders uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with their policy. Per the Insurance Code §11580.2, providers must issue policyholders with these policy endorsements.

The endorsements must include a minimum coverage, allowing the consumer to purchase higher amounts if they choose. If the consumer would like to decline the coverage, they will need to do so in writing. Coverage payouts include compensation for damages, including:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Property damages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other losses associated with the accidents

A lawyer specializing in UUMC/UIM coverage in Irvine could help review the policy to ensure the driver gets the maximum payout for their damages after a collision.

Call an Irvine Attorney After a Car Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver

If you were in a collision with a driver who had insufficient or non-existent motor accident coverage, reach out to a lawyer who understands what to do after uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Irvine. In most cases, the coverage is available within your policy, and an experienced legal professional could help you review and handle the insurance company communications and negotiations on your behalf.

The terminology on the contract makes it difficult for many people to understand the coverage amounts they are entitled to receive. A lawyer could cover all bases and ensure you are properly taken care of, so call one today.