California law requires all motorists to carry liability insurance to pay for the injuries and property damage that result from an accident they cause. However, the state’s minimum limits may not be sufficient to cover the costs of a serious collision. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is designed for just these circumstances.
What is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
In California, auto insurers must offer underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance to drivers. UIM coverage provides additional protection if you’re injured in a wreck and the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your financial losses. UIM only takes effect when the responsible party’s policy limits have been exhausted.
California requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage to drive a vehicle in the state legally. Minimum liability insurance coverage limits include $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident of bodily injury and $15,000 per accident of property damage coverage. However, many accident victims suffer serious injuries with costs that exceed these minimums. UIM coverage kicks in to pay the remaining expenses once the other driver’s policy limits are used up. With UIM, you stand a better chance of recovering full compensation for your expenses or losses.
Is UIM Coverage Required for California Drivers?
California law does not require drivers to carry UIM coverage. However, insurers must offer it, and if you choose not to purchase it, you must reject it in writing. Insurers typically set UIM policy limits equal to the bodily injury liability limit purchased by the policyholder.
How Does a UIM Claim Work?
After a car accident, most people file a claim with the responsible driver’s insurance company. If the insurer accepts your claim, they will pay up to the policy’s limits. If the amount is not enough to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, you can file a UIM claim with your own insurer to pay for the remaining costs.
What a Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process and advocate for fair compensation that accounts for all your losses.
At Demas Law Group, our legal team takes a comprehensive approach to representing auto accident victims. We can:
- Investigate the crash to recover evidence proving the other party’s liability
- Document your losses and calculate the amount of compensation owed to you
- Review both the at-fault driver’s insurance liability coverage and your own policy to determine your eligibility for UIM coverage
- File a car accident claim with the responsible driver’s insurer
- File a UIM claim with your insurance company and handle settlement negotiations for maximum compensation
- Represent you in court and advocate for fair results if a settlement cannot be reached
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento Today
A successful underinsured motorist claim can make all the difference when you’re recovering from auto accident injuries. However, your insurer may hesitate to make the fair payment you’re due. That’s where the Sacramento car accident attorneys at Demas Law Group can step in.
For over 30 years, our award-winning law firm has successfully represented victims in a wide range of car accident cases. Let us help you through the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
