Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Attorneys in Southern California

Let Us Help You Recover Your Entitled Compensation

In California, road safety is a shared responsibility. Unfortunately, not all drivers fulfill this responsibility, leaving victims of accidents with the daunting task of pursuing compensation from uninsured or underinsured motorists. If you find yourself in such a situation, Alvandi Law Group, P.C., is here to guide you through the complex process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Contact us at (800) 980-6905 to learn more about how we can help you with your uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional form of auto insurance that provides coverage for you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist.

Many drivers in California do not carry the minimum required auto insurance, which is $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. If you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, you may be unable to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage from the at-fault driver's insurance company. In these cases, you may be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company if you have UM/UIM coverage.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is another optional form of auto insurance that provides coverage for you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist.

An underinsured motorist is a driver who has insurance, but the amount of coverage is insufficient to cover all of your injuries and property damage. If you are involved in a car accident with an underinsured motorist, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage from your own insurance company if you have underinsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not required in California, but your insurance company is required to offer it to you. If you do not want to purchase UM/UIM coverage, you must reject it in writing.

What is the Process of Uninsured/Underinsured Claims in California?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, here are the steps you must take in the aftermath of the crash:

• Notify Your Insurance Company: After the accident, inform your insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible. Provide all necessary details, including the police report, photos of the accident, and any medical records.
• Review Your Policy: Check your policy to understand the limits and coverage of your UM or UIM insurance. This will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
• Submit Your Claim: Complete the required paperwork and submit your claim to your insurance company. This may include a detailed account of the accident, evidence of damages, and medical expenses.
• Claim Evaluation: Your insurance company will review the claim and may request additional information or documentation. They will then determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to based on the policy limits and the evidence provided.
• Initial Offer: The insurance company will make an initial settlement offer based on their evaluation. This offer may be lower than what you are entitled to, so it’s crucial to review it carefully.
• Negotiation: If the initial offer is inadequate, you can negotiate with your insurance company to increase the settlement amount. This may involve presenting additional evidence or arguments to support your claim.
• Settlement Agreement: Once a fair settlement amount is agreed upon, you’ll receive compensation for your damages. Ensure that all aspects of your claim are covered before accepting any offer.

Why Was My Claim Denied?

Here are several common reasons why your UM or UIM claim is denied:

• Insufficient Coverage: One common reason for claim denial is that the at-fault driver’s insurance may not cover all your damages. If their coverage limits are too low, you may face challenges in recovering the full amount of your losses.
• Policy Exclusions: Your insurance policy may have exclusions or limitations that affect your claim. For example, if you were driving a vehicle that wasn’t covered under your policy, your claim might be denied.
• Lack of Evidence: A claim may be denied if you fail to provide sufficient evidence to support your claim. This includes not having adequate documentation of the accident, damages, or medical treatment.
• Failure to Report Timely: Insurance companies require prompt reporting of accidents. Delays in notifying your insurer can lead to claim denial or reduced compensation.
• Insurance Company Disputes: Sometimes, insurance companies dispute the validity of the claim or the extent of your damages. This can result in a denial or a lower settlement offer.

You must take the following steps if your claim is denied:

1. Review the Denial Letter: Carefully review the denial letter to understand the specific reasons for the rejection. This will help you address any issues or discrepancies.
2. Gather Additional Evidence: If the denial was due to insufficient evidence, gather additional documentation that supports your claim. This may include updated medical records, repair estimates, or witness statements.
3. Appeal the Decision: Most insurance companies have an appeal process. Submit a formal appeal to contest the denial, providing any additional evidence or arguments to support your case.

While you may believe your auto insurance provider always has your best interests at heart, they will try to find any reason to reduce or even deny your claim entirely. If you’re facing difficulties with your claim or need assistance with the appeals process, consult a California uninsured motorist lawyer from Alvandi Law Group, P.C. We can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and advocate for your rights.