Hold Uninsured Drivers Accountable With The Help Of A Lawyer
Although nearly every state, including California, requires drivers to carry insurance, not everyone does. Others have insurance that is simply inadequate to compensate someone with serious injuries. Reckless and irresponsible drivers on the road often cause accidents but do not have the financial means to cover the cost of damages experienced by other people whom they harm.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you should not be responsible for paying for damages you did not cause. You need an advocate on your side to help you recover the compensation you deserve — quite possibly through your own insurance.
Attorney Scott Sumner’s Multi-Million Dollar Recoveries
Attorney Scott Sumner is a highly rated personal injury lawyer representing victims in Walnut Creek, California, and throughout the area. He has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims and is highly respected by both his previous clients and his peers. Mr. Sumner will review the details of your motor vehicle accident during a free consultation and recommend a course of action.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is frustrating enough even when the other party has insurance, especially when that insurance is not enough or the insurer tries to evade its liability.
Auto Insurance Requirements In California
The Department of Motor Vehicles has a number of requirements for drivers in the state of California, including:
- All vehicles operating or parked on California roads must have financial responsibility, also known as car insurance
- The proof of car insurance must be in the vehicle at all times
- The driver must be able to provide proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer, when requesting to renew vehicle registration, and when they are involved in a collision
There are also minimum requirements for liability insurance:
- $15,000 following the injury or death of a person
- $30,000 following the injury or death of multiple people
- $5,000 for property damages
Despite Auto Insurance Mandates, Many People Fail To Get Appropriate Coverage
Despite these requirements, many injured people have to resort to their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) coverage.
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury or even wrongful death at the hands of a negligent driver with minimum coverage, it will likely not be sufficient to cover the full extent of your injuries. If the driver is uninsured, you are even more likely to have trouble gaining access to the financial means to cover these damages.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, your own insurance may be responsible. For best results, do not discuss your case with a claims adjuster or sign anything until you speak to a lawyer who can help you calculate the full extent of your damages to make sure you are protected for years to come.
Why Hiring A Lawyer Is Needed
If you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be obligated to use your own insurance policy to pay the claim, but do not expect your insurer to help you readily. The adjusters you have to deal with during the process have their own interests in mind and want to pay as little as possible for your damages and injuries. Therefore, hiring a lawyer is essential even before dealing with your own insurance company.
Mr. Sumner has a proven track record of success in settlement negotiations and in the courtroom. He can provide the guidance, support and knowledge you need following a car accident. He is committed to helping victims recover the maximum compensation possible when the insurance institutions that are meant to protect them fail to carry their rightful load.
Do Not Settle Until You Call An Attorney
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, get legal counsel right away. Although the extent of your injuries might not be immediately apparent, a lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your damages to make sure you can recover the compensation you need.
To find out whether you have a case, schedule a free consultation with attorney Scott Sumner. Call us at 925-278-6170 or request your complimentary case review online.