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Need Help Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in California?

Our Experienced Murrieta Car Accident Attorney Provides Sterling Legal Services

Most of us depend on motor vehicles — be it car, motorcycle or scooter — to commute to work, school and social activities. Whenever we get behind the wheel, we assume a civic duty to everyone else out and about — drivers and pedestrians alike — that we are driving with respect to the rules of the road. As soon as you pull out of your driveway, it is also assumed that you are adhering to the law regarding your motor vehicle. This includes ensuring that your car is street legal, safe and insured. When a driver fails to carry insurance — or carries too little — and is responsible for an accident, he or she is still liable for damages. However, it can be hard to bring suit against these drivers. An experienced uninsured motorist attorney can help you hold the appropriate uninsured parties responsible for any damages you incur as a result of an accident. If you have questions, our Murrieta car accident attorney can help.

If you have been involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, then it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of experienced legal counsel. Personal injury attorney, Steve Gnau, has been representing the wrongfully injured for over two decades. He opened the doors to his California law firm in order to help those who need it most. Since 1995, he has successfully helped several clients file a California uninsured motorist claim that will help them seek restitution for injuries caused by negligent drivers. He can help you, too.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in California?

No, but all drivers are required to carry a certain amount of insurance. The California Department of Justice states that both drivers and/or owners of motor vehicles “shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility” over their vehicles. This is most often in the form of liability insurance. It is additionally stated that all drivers/owners will keep associated paperwork for that financial responsibility in the vehicle at all times. The punishments for not carrying the lawful amount of insurance vary in severity and often include:

  • Fines
  • Suspended license
  • Vehicle impoundment   

You can, however, choose to add uninsured motorist coverage (UMC) or underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) to your existing policy. This type of coverage usually includes payment for any bodily injuries and/or physical damage sustained to a vehicle in an accident with an uninsured driver. The amount of compensation is limited, though, and dependent on limits that you determine in your policy.

What Happens to an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Who Causes an Accident?

It is important to note that even if you do not have car insurance that you will still be held responsible for all damages incurred if you are responsible for an accident. This means that you will be held liable for the injured person’s medical bills as well as the damage done to his or her vehicle. Please be aware that you will also be held responsible for paying all damages to any and all public and private property including street signs, light poles and buildings.

If you do not have insurance and the injured person files a California uninsured motorist claim, then any valuable assets you own could be vulnerable. That means that insurance adjusters and the injured party’s attorney will try to seek compensation by forcing you to put those assets up as payment. In many instances, these assets take the form of an uninsured driver’s home, vehicle and any other comparable valuable property. Put simply, it is not worth driving without insurance — you could potentially wind up with nothing in the event that you cause an accident, depending on its severity.

We Can Help You File a California Uninsured Motorist Claim — Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Murrieta Car Accident Attorney

Being in an accident is a stressful ordeal. Not only do you have to contend with pain and mounting medical bills, but also with lost wages due to not being able to work. When an accident is caused by someone who does not have insurance, this stress is accumulated tenfold because the question remains: Who is going to pay for damages? The reality of the situation is that the uninsured motorist will be held liable even if he or she cannot pay out of pocket. If legal action is pursued, then ways for them to pay for the damages will be discovered in order for justice to be served.

Steve Gnau, along with a sizable repertoire of resources and knowledge of both local and federal laws regarding car insurance and accidents, can help you draft and file a California uninsured motorist claim. He has over two decades worth of experience in the field and knows how to help clients seeking rightful restitution. It is his goal to give you peace of mind when you decide to work with SD Injury Attorneys. That peace of mind starts when you schedule a free initial case evaluation with our Murrieta personal injury law firm. During this first meeting, you will be able to discuss the details of your case at length with Steve and he will be able to give you legal advice on how to proceed.

Call (951) 370-1111 or contact us online today to see how Murrieta car accident attorney Steve Gnau can help you.