Accidents Caused by Drivers with Not Enough Insurance
Based on some estimates from groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 10% of all drivers on the road are either uninsured or underinsured. This means that when you get into a car accident, you have a not-insignificant chance of being hit by someone who can’t pay for your damages in a meaningful way. If this has already happened to you, then you’re assuredly wondering what you’re supposed to do next.
If you live in Folsom, pick up the phone and dial (916) 500-0000 to connect with Triumph Law, P.C.. Our personal injury lawyers would be happy to assist you with all aspects of your case, which can be a bit windy when the liable party has no insurance. Even though it might seem unlikely now, there are ways for you to make a recovery. You just need to know how, and that’s where our team can step in and take over.
For a free consultation, contact us at any time.
Underinsured Drivers Compared to Uninsured Drivers
When a driver is underinsured, they have an auto insurance policy to provide for some of your damages, but it caps out before all of your damages are paid. An underinsured motorist is not violating any laws by carrying the minimum amount of auto insurance required by the state, but they can still make your life complicated if they crash into you.
On the other hand, an uninsured motorist is a driver who has no insurance at all. Drivers often become uninsured because they cannot afford to renew their auto insurance policy, or their policy was revoked due to a history of unsafe driving behaviors. In any case, it is unlawful in California to operate a motor vehicle without auto insurance.
How to Get Compensation from an Uninsured Motorist
When an uninsured motorist causes a car accident, you might have two options to recover compensation:
- UM/UIM insurance:Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance policies are designed to get you compensation after being hit by a driver who can’t pay for your damages through their own insurance policy. To get UM/UIM coverage, you have to purchase the policy from your auto insurance company as an add-on monthly premium. When using it, you will file a first-party claim, which means you file against your insurance provider, rather than the insurer of another driver.
- Filing directly against the driver:In rare situations, you might be able to file directly against the driver. Essentially, you will sue them for money out of their personal finances or assets. This approach is typically not used because drivers who don’t have auto insurance often don’t have any money to surrender through a lawsuit. You should always speak with an experienced accident attorney first to see if it would even be worth pursuing this option.
Remove Uncertainty & Move Forward with Our Help
It is natural to be uncertain about your financial future after you were injured by a driver with little or no insurance. Get the answers you need about your situation so you can feel confident about your future by teaming up with our firm. You can trust in the extensive experience of our Folsom UM/UIM accident attorneys!
Please feel free to talk to our team. Dial (916) 500-0000 today.
