California drivers, the number of uninsured drivers in the state is alarming. While the state requires drivers to carry minimum amounts of auto insurance coverage, many drive regardless of retaining this minimum coverage. There are also vast amounts of drivers who only carry the minimum insurance coverage. This means that these drivers often end up being underinsured as they are unable to cover the cost of damages resulting from an accident they caused.
When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident, the accident victim may understandably be anxious. After all, there are many steep expenses that can follow in the wake of an accident. Medical bills, for instance, can quickly pile up and without adequate insurance coverage available, an accident victim will likely worry that they will be on the hook for covering these, and other, costs. Here, we will discuss some steps you can take to protect yourself against uninsured drivers.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself Against Uninsured Drivers?
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself against uninsured drivers is to retain uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM coverage). In the event that you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, then this type of insurance coverage can be well worth any increase in insurance premiums you may have been paying. In addition to carrying UM/UIM coverage on your insurance policy, knowing your potential avenues for monetary recovery can also be a big step towards protecting your rights. For instance, while the driver themselves may not have adequate insurance coverage, there may be other insurance available through a resident relative’s insurance policy or some other third party’s insurance coverage, such as the vehicle manufacturer if the accident was the result of a vehicle defect.
Without adequate insurance coverage, you may also be able to go after the driver’s personal assets to access the compensation you need to get adequate compensation for the harm you have suffered in the accident. The problem with this is, however, that those with inadequate insurance coverage often lack the assets you would need to get the compensation you deserve.
Whether you need to access your UM/UIM insurance coverage, pursue insurance coverage through a third party’s carrier, or pursue a claim against the driver’s personal assets, there are other important steps you should take to protect yourself and the validity of your claim. These steps start right away at the accident scene. For instance, you should call 911 right away. Law enforcement will arrive on the scene. An official accident report will be generated as a result. An official accident report is often a critical piece of evidence to support any personal injury claim. You should also try to get pictures at the accident scene which can be compelling pieces of evidence which can support both what happened in the accident as well as a visual of the damage that was sustained as a result of the accident. Additionally, gathering witness names and contact information can further support your claim.
Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, you can count on the team at BoyesLegal, APC to tirelessly pursue any avenue of monetary recovery that may be available to you. We fight for our clients’ right to be properly compensated for the losses they sustain in accidents. Contact us today.