SANTA CLARITA UNINSURED MOTORIST INJURIES

In my opinion, the most valuable part of any auto insurance policy is Uninsured Motorist! Time and time again, I have represented clients in auto accidents and we find out the other party either did not have insurance or did not have ENOUGH insurance. The Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist policy becomes critically important when that happens. Check your insurance policy and make sure you are properly protected.   A good insurance agent can explain the differences in coverage but you need to make sure you ask about UM Coverage.  It’s one of the single most important insurance coverage plans you can have.  You will be glad you have it when you get hit by an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist. 

​I’ve recently been handling two personal injury cases that involved fairly serious injuries.  The problem is that in both cases, the party responsible for the injury did not have enough insurance.  In fact, in both cases, the responsible party had $25,000 in car insurance.  Needless to say, my clients were not very happy about this fact but in both cases, they luckily had “uninsured” motorist (UM) coverage.  In most cases, that also means “underinsured” motorist (when the other party doesn't have ENOUGH insurance).  In fact, they had $100,000 in underinsured motorist coverage.  That means if the other party doesn’t have “enough” you can turn to your own insurance company for additional coverage. 

However, that probably still isn't enough to compensate them for their injuries.  My clients were upset about this.  However, the amount of UM coverage one has is completely within your control.  Therefore, while you can’t control the amount of insurance the other party has, you can control the outcome to some extent by carrying a large UM policy.  There are so many people driving out there without insurance or in some cases, not enough insurance, to it behooves you to explore adequate UM coverage.  Ask your insurance company or broker about it.  It’s probably the single most important piece of auto insurance coverage you can get.

If you've been, in a car accident caused by a driver without insurance dealing with the aftermath can be tough. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and pursue compensation. Here are some general tips to follow although its important to remember that the specifics may vary based on where you're the laws that apply. It's wise to seek advice from an injury attorney in your area for guidance.
​

• Contact Law Enforcement - Make sure to report the accident to the police and get a copy of the report. This document is essential when filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim.
• Collect Information - Gather all details about everyone involved in the incident such, as their contact information, license plate number and insurance particulars if they're available.
• Get Medical Help - Even if your injuries appear minor at first it's crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries might not show symptoms away. Having medical records can support your case.
• Inform Your Insurance Provider - Notify your insurance company about what happened as possible since most policies require prompt reporting. Provide them with all the information and documentation you have gathered.
• Uninsured Driver Coverage - Having uninsured motorist coverage can assist in paying for your bills and other damages. This type of coverage is meant to safeguard you in cases where the responsible party does not have insurance. It can also come in handy if the other driver has insurance but it is insufficient. In instances you would turn to any available "underinsured driver" coverage provided by your own insurer.
• Documenting Your Losses - Make sure to keep records of your expenses damage, to your property and any other costs stemming from the accident. These records will be vital when presenting your situation.
• Seek Legal Advice - It's advisable to talk to a personal injury lawyer who has experience dealing with cases involving underinsured drivers. They can provide insights into the laws in your area and assist you through the claims process.
• Negotiating with Your Insurance Provider - Your insurance company might propose a settlement offer. Consider seeking advice from your lawyer before agreeing to any settlement. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts so having counsel can be crucial.
• Initiate Legal Action - If negotiations with your insurer do not yield results you may have to take action, against the driver. Your lawyer will help you navigate through this process.

Make sure to document all your interactions with your insurance company in writing and save a copy for your records. This can come in handy if there are any disagreements, down the line. Keep in mind that every situation is different so its important to seek guidance from an expert who can offer advice tailored to your circumstances and the regulations, in your area.

​Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Injured by an uninsured motorist?

​Free consultations and access to our attorney network.