Chico Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/IUM) Claims Attorneys

What You Need to Know

California law requires that drivers carry auto insurance. However, this does not mean that every driver on the road is insured. In fact, many drivers do not carry any insurance, while others carry the bare minimum and are considered “underinsured.”

If you have been hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it is important to know that you have options. At Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP, we help clients throughout California with a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death claims, including those involving uninsured and underinsured motorists. We have seen firsthand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. Our Chico uninsured/underinsured motorist attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and legal options, and we will work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation you are owed.

Call us at (530) 342-3593 or online to request a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

While California law does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it does require that insurers offer this type of coverage to all drivers. If you choose to purchase auto insurance, your insurer must provide you with UM coverage, and you must decline this coverage in writing if you do not wish to include it in your policy. However, it is highly recommended that all drivers purchase UM coverage.

UM coverage provides compensation for injuries and damages incurred in an accident with an uninsured driver. It can also provide compensation for hit and run accidents if the at-fault driver cannot be identified. UM coverage is not required to cover property damage, but it must cover injuries to you and others in your vehicle.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of coverage that protects you if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. This coverage is optional in California, but if you choose to purchase it, your insurer must provide you with UM coverage in an amount equal to your bodily injury liability coverage. You can choose to decline this coverage, but you must do so in writing. If you do not decline it in writing, your policy will automatically include UM coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is for your benefit. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurer to recover compensation for your losses. This includes your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are injured by an uninsured driver and do not have UM coverage, you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in order to recover compensation.

It is important to note that uninsured motorist coverage only covers your injuries and losses. It does not cover the at-fault driver’s injuries or losses, nor does it cover the damage to your vehicle. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, you will need to file a separate claim with your own insurer under your collision coverage to recover compensation for the damage to your vehicle.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

Like UM coverage, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is also required to be offered by auto insurance companies in California. UIM coverage provides compensation for injuries and damages that exceed the policy limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

How Does Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?

If you are injured in an accident with an underinsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurer to recover compensation for your injuries and losses over and above the at-fault driver’s policy limits. For example, if the at-fault driver has a policy limit of $15,000 and you suffer $50,000 in damages, you can file a claim with your insurer to recover the remaining $35,000.

You can only recover the difference between your UIM policy limits and the at-fault driver’s policy limits. For example, if you have a UIM policy with $50,000 in coverage and the at-fault driver has a policy limit of $15,000, you can recover $35,000. However, if you have a UIM policy with $50,000 in coverage and the at-fault driver has a policy limit of $60,000, you will not be able to recover any additional compensation.

It is important to note that UIM coverage is for your benefit. If you are in an accident with an underinsured driver and do not have UIM coverage, you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in order to recover compensation over and above the policy limits. This can be a lengthy and complex process and may not result in the full compensation you need to cover your losses.

How Our Firm Can Help You

If you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may be wondering how you will be able to recover compensation for your losses. At Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP, we can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Our Chico uninsured/underinsured motorist lawyers are highly experienced in this area of law and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We know how to navigate the claims process and can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Our attorneys will work with you personally to develop a strong case strategy and will keep you informed about any developments in your case. We will also handle all the necessary paperwork and legal details so you can focus on your recovery. If your case goes to trial, we will be prepared to aggressively advocate for you in the courtroom.

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

If you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it is important to take the right steps to protect your rights. Here are some important things to do after an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist:

• Call the police: You should always call the police after an accident, even if it is a minor fender bender. A police report can be an important piece of evidence when filing a claim with your insurer.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, do not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can evaluate you for any hidden injuries and document your injuries for your claim.
• Document the scene: If you are able to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Exchange information: You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, even if they are uninsured. You will need this information when filing a claim with your insurer.
• Notify your insurer: You should notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. You will need to provide them with a copy of the police report, as well as any other evidence you have.
• Do not give a recorded statement: You should not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without first talking to an attorney. The insurance company may try to use your statement against you to deny your claim or pay you less than you are owed.

How to File an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim

If you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you will need to file a claim with your own insurer to recover compensation for your losses. Here are the steps to filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim:

1. Notify your insurer: You should notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Most insurance policies have a time limit for reporting accidents, so it is important to notify your insurer right away.
2. Provide the necessary information: Your insurer will need certain information to process your claim. This includes the date, time, and location of the accident, the name and contact information of the other driver, a copy of the police report, and a description of how the accident happened. Your insurer may also ask you to provide a copy of your medical records, repair estimates, and other documentation of your damages.
3. Cooperate with the investigation: Your insurer will conduct an investigation into the accident. They may request additional information or evidence from you. It is important to cooperate with the investigation, but you should avoid providing any written or recorded statements without first talking to an attorney.
4. Review the settlement offer: Once your insurer has completed its investigation, they will make a settlement offer. You should not accept the offer without first talking to an attorney. The insurer may try to pay you less than you are owed, and an attorney can help you determine if the offer is fair.
5. Appeal a denied claim, if necessary: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. An attorney can help you prepare a strong appeal and represent you in the appeals process.

How Long Do I Have To File A UI/UIM Claim In California?

In California, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to submit an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) claim. This is compliant with the state's personal injury statute of limitations. It's crucial to realize that extra restrictions or alternative dates may be imposed by the precise conditions of your insurance policy.
Notifying your insurance provider about the accident immediately is crucial. Delaying this notification could jeopardize your claim and make it more challenging to gather the necessary evidence. 

Consulting with an experienced Chico UI/UIM attorney can be extremely beneficial. The legal experts at Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP possess a deep understanding of California's insurance laws and can ensure that all necessary paperwork and formalities are completed within the required timeframe. They can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with your insurance company, and help you secure the maximum possible compensation.

While you have a two-year window to file a UI/UIM claim in California, acting promptly and consulting with a knowledgeable Chico UI/UIM attorney can significantly enhance your chances of a successful outcome. Don’t wait until the last minute; seek legal advice early to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Documentation And Evidence Are Needed To Support An Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim?

To support your UM/UIM claim, gather photographs of the accident scene and damages, medical records if you sustained injuries, and any available witness statements. It’s also crucial to include your insurance policy and any communication with your insurer. Speaking with an uninsured/underinsured attorney in Chico from Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP can help ensure that you collect all required proof. Our attorneys have years of experience with these type of cases and can assist you at every step to optimize your possible compensation. Get in touch with us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP?

If you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and other financial losses. You may be unable to work and unsure how you will support yourself and your family. At Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP, our Chico uninsured/underinsured motorist lawyers understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and have the skills, resources, and experience to handle even the most complex cases.

Our attorneys will work with you personally to understand your unique situation and develop a strong case strategy. We will handle all the necessary paperwork and legal details, so you can focus on your recovery. If your case goes to trial, we will be prepared to aggressively advocate for you in the courtroom.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at (530) 342-3593 or online today.