Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California Explained

Car accidents are scary, and there is often no time to react to prevent them from happening. Many emotions arise afterward, which are complicated further when you end up dealing with a negligent driver who is an uninsured motorist. In that case, where can you turn? Does your insurance then have to pay for the damages and injuries? Why should you have to pay for someone else’s negligence? This is where your uninsured motorist liability insurance will come into play. 

Liability insurance policies in California must cover at least $15,000 for bodily injuries to one victim and $30,000 for bodily injuries to two or more victims in a wreck. Low-income drivers with good driving records are rewarded because the requirements are lower at $10,000 for physical injury per person and $20,000 per accident. 

If you’ve been in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, it’s important to contact a car accident lawyer. We can help you get the financial compensation you deserve to cover any damages to your car or health.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Uninsured Motorist Accidents?

You have time to decide what to do after an accident. It is vital to seek the assistance of legal counsel as soon as possible. If the negligent driver in the accident is uninsured, you have two years to decide whether or not you are going to: 

• File a lawsuit against the other driver
• Come to an agreement with your insurance company about the amount you are due for your wounds, trauma, suffering, loss of income and/or the damages to your vehicle and property
• Demand arbitration

It’s important to act fast after an accident to ensure the statute of limitations for your case doesn’t expire.

What if the Accident Is a Hit and Run?

Unfortunately, some people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Maybe the liable driver panicked and drove off, or maybe you were hit by a stolen car and the thief got away. If you have been in an accident and the other vehicle’s driver leaves the scene, the state of California will treat the negligent driver as an uninsured motorist. However, the statute of limitations in these cases is much stricter. In hit-and-run situations, you only have 24 hours to report the accident to the police department, sheriff, or highway patrol, depending on the jurisdiction of where the accident occurred.  

Additionally, you have 30 days after the accident to notify your insurance carrier in writing that you have a personal injury claim and cannot identify the other vehicle’s driver. That said, sometimes before you contact your insurance, you should contact an attorney first.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in California?

California has made uninsured motorist coverage standard in all liability insurance policies. However, it is possible to waive it if you do so in writing when you obtain your insurance policy. It is essential to discuss all your insurance coverage needs with a licensed and knowledgeable broker before making this decision.   

If I Am in an Accident, What Should I Do?

If you have suffered an injury or gone through the inconceivable pain of losing a loved one after a car accident, you need to center on mending. This is an insurmountable goal if you have lost your income and can no longer work because of your wounds, or if your loved one was your sole source of support for your family. It is made worse if an uninsured motorist caused the accident. You need calm counsel from a law firm determined to get you the result and peace of mind you and your family deserve. Contact Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers and let us help you. We will treat you like our family. 

You should take several steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your case: 

• Stop your vehicle and stay at the scene. Don’t leave. It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in California.
• Call the police to report the accident. This is especially important if there are injuries or significant damages. California law requires that any accident resulting in injury, death or property damage over $1,500 be reported.
• Obtain the other driver’s information. This includes their name, contact details, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number and insurance information. If they are uninsured, make sure to get that information as well. 
• Take as many photos or videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage as possible. If you or your passengers are injured, take as many photographs of your injuries as possible both before and after treatment. This documentation will help prove the fault later. 
• Call for medical attention immediately if you or your passengers are injured. Do not wait, even if you believe the injuries are minor. 
• Obtain a copy of the police report containing important details and helping to establish fault.
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver found responsible for the accident is liable, so you must take care of this immediately.  
• Obtain legal counsel, particularly if you or your passengers are injured or the other party is an uninsured motorist. 

When Should I Call a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Car accidents are terrifying no matter the circumstances surrounding them. Events happen so quickly that there is rarely the opportunity to react. You need the guidance of a professional and empathetic team to take the burden of dealing with the insurance company, doctors’ offices and other officials off your shoulders, especially if you are dealing with an underinsured or uninsured motorist. Our mission at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers is to care for you. We treat you like family.

As your personal injury lawyers, we can: 

• Investigate the accident
• Handle insurance companies
• Negotiate settlements
• Represent you in court
• Meet deadlines
• Provide legal guidance 

You need a dedicated firm fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. At Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, you will find a firm dedicated to fighting for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeffrey Nadrich is a nationally-recognized California plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law. He has successfully represented thousands of injury clients over the last 40 years.