Most drivers know the drill after a car accident: call the police, exchange information, treat injuries, and start an auto insurance claim. When another driver is carrying no or insufficient insurance at the time, however, the usual post-accident progression – along with your peace of mind – disappears quickly. When the at-fault has no insurer to turn to, you may be confused about the next steps. The skilled North Hollywood uninsured motorist lawyers at Walch Law can help you through the complex process of dealing with difficult insurance companies, steering your case through court, and creating the strongest arguments possible to recover maximum possible compensation for your injuries. With over 45 years of experience and a 95+% success rate, Robert and Gary have made a career of getting our clients the checks and closure they deserve. Contact us today to learn more!
Car Insurance Requirements for California DriversCalifornia drivers are legally required to carry car insurance at all times of no less than a minimum amount set by the state. Violation of this can bring about fines, penalties, or even suspension of your driver license.
FinesOffenses currently result in fines of $100-$200 for your first offense to $200-500 for your subsequent offense. Though the fines may seem minimal, consider that a $100 fine can cost you almost $450 once mandatory fees and penalties are added to the original amount.
TowingThe police issuing your citation may also order your car towed, and you’ll be responsible for paying towing fees, storage fees, and securing proper insurance before it’s released to you.
License SuspensionUninsured drivers involved in an accident may also face DMV consequences. Even if not at fault for the accident, it’s possible to receive a license suspension of up to 4 years!
Amazingly, in 2017 almost 1 in 8 drivers chose to hit the road without insurance even with serious consequences hanging in the balance! This means someone passing you on the 101, a driver waiting behind you at a light on Victory Boulevard, even someone backing into a street spot in front of your parked car may well be operating with no insurance. The possibilities for accidents, injuries, and endless headaches due to an uninsured motorist in North Hollywood are very real and very close to home.
The Basics of Uninsured Motorist CoverageUninsured motorist coverage function as a level of protection if an at-fault driver involved in your accident has doesn’t have auto insurance. If you have this coverage, your insurance company will pay for some damages resulting from the accident than a covered driver’s insurer should have covered instead. Many insurers even cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver when you’re unable to determine if they carry car insurance.
California doesn’t require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage; however, insurance companies must offer it to you when you buy a new policy – if you decline, you must sign a waiver stating it was offered but you refused the coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage generally pays:
Even drivers complying with California law by carrying car insurance often keep far too little coverage to fully pay for another driver’s injuries in the even of an accident. California requires drivers keep a minimum of:
This is a far cry from insurance experts’ recommended coverage amounts of:
Considering minor accidents commonly cause several thousand dollars’ worth of damages for everyone involved, it’s no surprise a driver carrying the minimum legal level of car insurance can’t fully compensate an accident victim who suffered catastrophic injuries and requires hundreds of thousands of dollars of treatment. Even if you win a personal injury lawsuit against an underinsured, at-fault driver, it’s likely you still won’t be fully compensated for your damages. Many underinsured drivers simply don’t have the assets to pay a large judgment.
Situations like this are why underinsured motorist coverage was created. Under this coverage, your insurance company will pay some or all injury and vehicle damage costs that surpass the policy limits held by the underinsured motorist.
Speak to a Lawyer TodayIf you or a loved one were injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may think you can’t afford to hire an attorney and pursue compensation. You may be dealing with medical bills, an inability to work and earn money due to your injuries, and expensive vehicle repairs – damages normally covered by another driver’s insurance policy. The experienced North Hollywood uninsured motorist lawyers at Walch Law understand the stressful situation you face, so we take all our cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that until you get paid, we don’t get paid. As soon as you hire us, we’ll begin fighting to get you compensation and justice you deserve without any unnecessary delays. Get in touch today; we’re here to answer your questions, explain the process, and help you get started.