Even when the other driver has adequate insurance coverage, car wrecks are frustrating and overwhelming. When the at-fault driver has no insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries, the financial consequences can become even more stressful. Medical bills, lost income, and other expenses can continue accumulating while you are trying to recover. A car accident attorney can help you understand your insurance coverage and identify options for pursuing compensation.
At Dunnion Law, we understand how overwhelming an unexpected collision can be, particularly uninsured and underinsured car accidents in Monterey, since the other party’s insurance coverage does not adequately address your losses. We have been serving injured people since 1975, giving our firm over 50 years of experience handling personal injury claims. We work to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation from the available sources of coverage.
California law requires most drivers to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance. Under California Vehicle Code § 16056, the minimum liability coverage generally includes $30,000 for injury or death per person, $60,000 for injury or death per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
If the driver who caused your Monterey collision has no insurance, you may need to look to your own uninsured motorist coverage. California law generally requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage, although policyholders can reject that coverage in writing. California Insurance Code § 11580.2 addresses uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and establishes requirements that apply to qualifying policies.
Your insurance policy can therefore become an important source of compensation after an uninsured driver causes an accident. Reviewing the policy carefully can help determine what coverage applies and what limits are available.
An underinsured driver has liability insurance, but the available policy limits are not sufficient to cover the damages caused by the accident. For example, a driver may carry the minimum required liability coverage while your injuries result in substantially higher medical expenses and lost income.
An uninsured or underinsured car accident claim in Monterey can involve questions about the other driver’s liability, the extent of your injuries, available policy limits, and the terms of your own insurance policy. Insurance companies also have an interest in limiting the amount they pay. Carefully documenting your losses and understanding your coverage can help protect your interests.
The losses from a serious car collision in Monterey can extend beyond your immediate medical expenses, requiring you to access your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Depending on the circumstances of your claim, you may seek compensation for losses such as:
You should preserve medical records, bills, photographs, employment records, accident reports, witness information, and insurance documents. These materials can help establish both the circumstances of the accident and the impact your injuries have had on your life.
If an insurance company asks you to provide a statement or proposes a settlement, you should understand your coverage and the extent of your losses before making important decisions about your claim.
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you still may have options for seeking compensation. Our team has been helping injured people since 1975, bringing over 50 years of experience to personal injury claims.
Contact Dunnion Law to discuss your collision and available insurance coverage in uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Monterey. We can review the circumstances of your accident, examine the applicable coverage, and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
