A car accident is stressful enough, your San Diego, California car accident claims process may be exposed to a host of additional complications when you're involved in a car accident and the responsible driver is inadequately insured or not insured at all. A San Diego injury law firm may be able to assist you in successfully pursuing a case against an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in San Diego, California Car Accident Claim
The complications of an accident caused by an improperly insured motorist can be mitigated if you have uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Usually purchased together, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an optional addition to your insurance policy. If you already have UM/UIM coverage, it will likely be indicated on your insurance card by the letters U or UM.
In most cases in California, you'll already have this provision as part of your policy. In fact, insurance companies are required to include it as part of a California automobile policy unless you've specifically declined it in writing.
UM/UIM coverage exists to compensate you for losses sustained when you're hurt in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, so the damages you receive come from your own insurance carrier up to the limits of your policy.
These policies cover:
- you;
- all people who reside in your household;
- minors who don't live with you; and
- older children who are away at college.
It's important to note that a UM/UIM policy doesn't apply only to car accidents. If you're hurt as a bicyclist, motorist, or pedestrian, UM/UIM insurance will cover the damage provided the motorist who caused your injuries was underinsured or uninsured.
You should contact a San Diego injury law firm to assist you if you're injured by an uninsured motorist. Also check your policy to see what provisions already exist.
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