San Diego Uninsured and Underinsured Accident Attorney

Car accidents are frightening and chaotic, especially when they result in serious injuries. In California, recovering compensation for common car accident damages like property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering requires proving another driver’s fault in the accident and filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. But what happens when a car accident injury victim in San Diego learns that the negligent driver who caused their accident doesn’t have enough insurance coverage in their minimum policy to cover their damages? Or, even worse, what if the other driver was uninsured?

What Is California’s Car Accident Insurance Requirement?

California requires all drivers to carry auto liability insurance to cover damages to others after an accident. The minimum requirement for coverage is $15,000 per person for injuries, $30,000 total injury liability coverage per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage.

Sadly, $15,000 does not go far in today’s medical system, often resulting in underinsured motorist claims in California. California does not require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but insurance providers are required to offer this optional coverage. Drivers who choose to decline the extra coverage must do so in writing.

What Are the Options for Recovering Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in San Diego?

If a car accident victim suffers serious injuries with substantial damages, it’s distressing to learn that the driver at fault lacks insurance or doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover damages. Fortunately, that doesn’t always mean they have no options for recovering the compensation they deserve. A San Diego car accident attorney can help them explore all available options for recovering their damages, including the following:

• Filing a claim against your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy if you chose to keep this important optional extra as part of your car insurance policy
• Filing a claim against a collision or comprehensive policy if you added that option to your car insurance policy
• Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they have significant assets (not often the case in a driver who lacks insurance)
• Filing a claim against a third party who contributed to the accident, like the manufacturer of a defective car part, a negligent road maintenance or road planning agency, or a third driver who contributed to the cause of the accident
• Filing a claim against the manufacturer of something that contributed to the severity of the injuries, such as a seatbelt that didn’t lock into place or an airbag that caused injury by failing to deploy or deploying too forcefully

A thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, anything that contributed to the severity of injuries, and the terms of your insurance policy can help a car accident victim to recover all available compensation in their claim.

How Can a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Many car accident victims accept low settlement offers from the insurance company of an underinsured motorist or simply give up on pursuing compensation when the driver who caused the accident is uninsured. However, often there are other options for recovering compensation. An experienced California car accident lawyer has an in-depth understanding of the state’s insurance laws. Call Haffner & Morgan, LLP for the experienced representation you need for an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in San Diego.