In Southern California, spending hours on the road each day is the norm, increasing your chances of getting into a crash. Even though California law only requires a minimum of $15,000 in coverage, many drivers go without insurance. So, what happens if one of them hits you?
Make Sure You have Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
While California law lets you waive Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage, it is a silly thing to do. For just a few extra dollars a month, you protect
Call the Police, Take Pictures, and Gather Details
One of the first things to do after a crash is to call the police; this is especially important if you were hit by an uninsured driver and are hurt. A police report is evidence of what happened, which will make a BIG difference when dealing with your own insurance company.
While you wait for the police to arrive, you should exchange information and take pictures of the damage and license plates. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it’s still important to get their contact and vehicle details. Don’t forget to ask for the contact information from witnesses as well; their statements can be beneficial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Taking pictures after a wreck is always a great idea, as long as you are safe while taking them. Pictures are another way to provide documentation of the scene and any damage sustained to your car and the other vehicle. But, please, remember to watch out for other vehicles.
It’s important to remember not to accept money from an uninsured driver. At this point, you have no idea how much it might cost to fix your car or take care of any injuries. The uninsured driver may be subject to big fines and may offer you cash to avoid any legal repercussions.
Preparation Before It Happens
Uninsured motorist coverage is extra coverage you can purchase with your insurance policy and is supposed to take care of those without any coverage. However, one of the drawbacks to this is the insurance company may not be willing to pay for full compensation. They could try to minimize their payments or deny payment on your claim altogether. This is where legal help may be necessary.
Pursue Legal Action
When the other driver doesn’t have insurance, a lawyer can pursue legal action against the at fault driver to cover any medical bills or damage to the vehicle. As we mentioned earlier, the evidence you gathered is necessary to ensure your claim is strong.
Have you been involved in a car crash with a driver that is uninsured? Contact Gokal Law at 949-753-9100. Gokal Law Group is a family firm that treats our clients as if they were our own flesh and blood. We fight for our clients as we would our own children, sisters, brothers, and parents. We are our clients’ Warriors, fighting to bring them justice and right the wrongs they have endured.
Each attorney has a specific practice area for which they are tried, tested, and battle-ready. They have vast years of experience in their practice area, providing them the knowledge, skills, and vision to fight and win. Learn more about Gokal Law Group.