Northern California Uninsured Motorist DUI Accident Lawyer
Northern California Uninsured Motorist DUI Accidents
In California, motorists are required to have automobile insurance to operate a car, however, the Insurance Research Council estimates that in some states almost 25 percent of motorists are uninsured. A motorist who has no auto insurance cannot pay for an injured victim’s damages. What can motorists do to protect themselves from financial harm against an uninsured drunk driver? Motorists must review their insurance policy to make sure uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is included. California law requires that every insurance company offer motorists uninsured motorist coverage and unless it is declined in writing, most policies will include UM coverage, however, it is also important to know how much UM/UIM coverage was purchased.
UM/UIM is designed to compensate victims for their injuries and losses in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance or by a driver who does not have enough insurance to meet the total amount of damages they are responsible for. Keep in mind that a hit-and-run driver who cannot be found is also considered an uninsured motorist.
If you were hit and seriously injured by a drunk or drugged driver who does not have insurance, seek the counsel of a northern California uninsured motorist accidents lawyer at Estey Bomberger. Deciphering an insurance policy can be almost impossible for most victims. Our personal injury lawyers will sit down with you and explain exactly what is and what is not covered in your UM/UIM policy. More importantly, we will fight for your right to maximum coverage for your serious injuries.
Protecting Yourself from Northern California Uninsured Motorists
At the law firm of Estey Bomberger we are frequently asked how much UM/UIM coverage should be purchased. Our answer is always, as much as you can afford. Many drivers realize too late the importance of purchasing enough uninsured motorist coverage. For example, if a driver purchases $50,000 in UM coverage and is later injured in an accident with an uninsured drunk driver, the maximum the injured driver would be entitled to from their UM policy would be $50,000, regardless of the actual amount of damages. For more information on how you can protect yourself from an uninsured motorist following a drunk driving accident, contact Estey Bomberger today.
What To Do Following a Northern California Uninsured Motorist DUI Accident
Before any uninsured motorist benefits can be obtained, victims must first prove that the intoxicated driver was uninsured at the time of the accident and that the intoxicated driver was at-fault for the accident and injury. Because proving fault can be difficult in an uninsured motorist DUI accident, victims should call an experienced attorney as soon as possible following any collision. Our northern California car accident lawyers can help victims prove liability by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident.
We also recommend that victims follow these tips after an accident with a drunk driver:
- See your doctor as soon as possible after the accident and follow their instructions diligently.
- Call the police. Obtain a copy of the police report and if they have not done so, ask them to take pictures of the accident scene.
- Write down what you remember about the accident and the nature of your injuries.