Almost a third of the drivers on California highways today are uninsured or underinsured. These drivers, not surprisingly, are often the least cautious, and their cars are often the least safe. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is included with all automobile insurance policies in California. If you’re in an accident, and the other driver is uninsured or underinsured (or flees the scene and cannot be identified, thus committing hit-and-run), UM coverage lets you file a claim with your own insurer. When you’re not driving, your automotive UM coverage still applies if an uninsured or underinsured motorist injures you, even if you were walking, riding a bike, or even sitting at a sidewalk café. California requires a minimum of $15,000 in UM coverage, but adding additional coverage is wise. In some accidents, a victim’s losses can run into the tens of thousands or more. You may want a policy that can cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and more.

UM coverage is designed to compensate financial and other losses you sustain in a collision caused by the negligence of an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Financial losses include medical expenses, any loss of income or earnings, any damage to your ability to work in the future, and associated out-of-pocket expenses such as additional child care costs. Non-financial damages include pain, suffering, and other losses. While there’s no foolproof, ultimate way to establish a precise financial value for these losses, insurance companies and attorneys can usually reach an agreement based upon the severity of the injury, the prospects for recovery, and the length of time involved.

If you are injured in an accident with an uninsured motorist – now or in the future – you may need help negotiating with your own insurance company; contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Despite the terms of your policy, some companies will delay, ignore, or even deny your claim. Any time you are injured in a traffic accident – regardless of who is insured or for how much – get help at once from a good personal injury lawyer. In the San Diego area, if you or a member of your family has been injured in an accident with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver, call experienced California personal injury attorney Gary Sernaker at (858) 509-0188, or email him at Gsernaker@gmail.com to discuss your rights and options under California law.