I spend a lot of time listening to the client. You begin, then, to hear things that you didn’t think were possible. The imagination starts working and then you find a way.
Long Beach Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney
Injured by a Driver Without Insurance? Call Now
Driving a motor vehicle is a common part of life for many people in Southern California. Day in and day out, the freeways and roads are packed with people driving to work, school, or other obligations. Because of this, car accidents are a fairly common occurrence and happen on a daily basis. California law requires all divers to have insurance coverage for the vehicles they take to the roads, but unfortunately not all drivers are in compliance with the law.
Car accidents can be traumatic affairs, and if you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it complicates matters even furtherer. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV has represented car accident victims across Long Beach and Southern California. If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, you need legal representation to fight for the compensation you are due. Contact our legal team today at (562) 901-0840 to learn more about how we can help.
California Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements
If you operate a vehicle on any public road within the state of California, you are required by law to provide proof of insurance. The minimum insurance coverage required in California is:
- $15,000 for injury or death of 1 person per accident.
- $30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more persons per accident.
- $5,000 for property damage per accident.
Persons operating a vehicle in this state who are unlicensed or have an invalid California or out-of-state driver license are subject to the same financial responsibility laws as valid California licensed drivers.
Is It Against The Law To Drive Without Car Insurance In Long Beach?
Despite the fact that it is unlawful to drive without auto insurance or a license, close to 15% of drivers are unlicensed and countless more are operating motor vehicles without insurance. It is imperative that you purchase an insurance policy that includes "underinsured motorist" and "uninsured motorist" coverage to protect yourself from being on the hook for damages caused by these irresponsible individuals. This additional coverage will allow you to collect damages from your insurance company if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent uninsured driver.
Filing a Claim
If you have "underinsured motorist” and "uninsured motorist "coverage as part of your insurance plan, then you are entitled to be reimbursed for the following damages:
- Medical bills and lost wages.
- Pain, suffering and disfigurement.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage.
If you file a claim under your insurance coverage, an insurance adjuster from the company with which you made the claim will handle your case just as if it were a regular liability claim. During the claims process, negotiations will take place with the adjuster about the other driver’s liability, the extent of your own negligence (if applicable), and the extent of your injuries and other damages.
However, even if you have coverage for accidents involving uninsured drivers, dealing with insurance companies is not always cut and dry. Insurance companies have been known to delay payments or attempt to avoid paying them all together in certain uninsured motorist claims. Sometimes the extent of which you are covered under your policy is disputed, and you will have to prove that your policy covers you, that the other driver was negligent or committed an unlawful act that caused your accident and damages, and that they were at fault and deemed liable.
Call Long Beach Accident Lawyer Joseph Low Today
Before you file a claim with your insurance company, consult with an experienced Long Beach car accident lawyer. It’s important to remember that insurance companies make huge profits and even your own insurance company may try to pay you less than you are entitled to.
Call the Long Beach uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorneys at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV for a free consultation today and get the representation you deserve. It's your right to take legal action in order to get the compensation you need to move on with your life. Call (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 today for your FREE consultation.
Additional Information
- I Was Just In An Accident With An Uninsured Driver, What Now?
- What Uninsured Motorists and Hit-and-Run Drivers Have in Common