Long Beach Uninsured Motorists Accident Attorney

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Uninsured motorists are more than just a nuisance, particularly if they hit your vehicle. We know you may be confused about your options at this point, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. A Long Beach car accident attorney from Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP can help you explore your options and determine the best path moving forward for recovering the compensation you are entitled to.

California Car Insurance Requirements

California law stipulates that every driver carry a minimum amount of insurance to protect themselves and others in the event a collision occurs. This mandatory minimums include:

  • $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
  • $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $5,000 in property damage coverage

Despite these legal requirements, many drivers in California either drive without insurance or carry only the minimum, which may not fully cover the costs of a serious accident. Unfortunately, this leaves responsible drivers vulnerable if they collide with an uninsured Long Beach driver. Long Beach personal injury attorneys at Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP can help you file a personal injury lawsuit claim today.

California Regulations for Uninsured or Underinsured Accidents

When an accident occurs with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your options for recovering damages can become more complicated. California law provides protection through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which is designed to cover the gaps when the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance.

UM/UIM coverage, if you have it, helps cover expenses like medical bills and lost wages as well as property damage that exceed the limits of the at-fault driver’s coverage or in situations where they (the other driver) have no coverage at all. This type of coverage is crucial in Southern California, where many drivers do not have the necessary insurance.

California Comparative Fault

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if are partially to blame for a vehicle collision, you can still recover compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by the percentage of liability assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 45% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 45%. This system ensures that you are still able to recover damages, even if fault is shared between parties.

How Can a Long Beach Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney Help?

Navigating a claim involving an uninsured motorist can be complex, especially when dealing with your own insurance company. Insurance providers often try to minimize payouts, and proving the extent of damages may require a thorough investigation and expert negotiation. Harting Simkins and Ryan, LLP, skilled Long Beach uninsured motorist accident attorneys will:

  • Help you file a claim under your own UM/UIM coverage
  • Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records
  • Negotiate with any insurance carrier for you
  • Handle any disputes over liability or coverage.

Protecting Your Rights After an Uninsured Motorist Accident

If you are involved in a collision in Long Beach with an uninsured motorist, it is crucial to protect your rights by taking the following steps:

  1. Document the accident. Take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and obtain a copy of the police report.
  2. Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to get evaluated by a medical professional to document any potential injuries.
  3. Contact an attorney. An experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout. At Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP, you can contact us for a free consultation today.