Northern California Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorneys
At any given time, more than 10% of drivers on the road have no automobile insurance. Even more shocking, one in three drivers on the road in California does not carry enough insurance to protect themselves or others in a serious accident. If you are injured in a crash in Northern California caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you must use your own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance coverage to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other accident-related expenses.
What is Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage is part of your insurance policy. It is required in California unless you decline it in writing. Your UM/UIM policy protects you if you are in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, an underinsured driver, or if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian or while riding a bike in a hit-and-run accident. Because accidents are unpredictable and unexpected, having a UM/UIM policy is highly recommended. If you are killed in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your family may also pursue wrongful death damages against your UM/UIM policy.
How Much Insurance Do You Really Need?
In these difficult times, it is understandable that Californians are looking for ways to save money. However, the decision to carry liability-only insurance or not carry UM/UIM coverage is simply not worth the risk. No matter how safe of a driver you are, you may not be able to avoid accidents caused by negligent or reckless motorists. If you suffer serious injuries in an auto accident, such as a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury, and the at-fault party either does not have any insurance coverage or does not have enough insurance coverage, your ability to recover compensation will rely on your UM/UIM policy. Make sure you have enough coverage; talk to your insurance broker about what is best for your unique situation.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Accident
After any accident resulting in serious injuries, hiring the right Northern California car accident attorney may make a huge difference in the amount of compensation you ultimately receive. Even if you have adequate uninsured motorist protection, the insurance company will want to protect their own financial interests and pay you as little as possible. To ensure you receive the maximum monetary compensation for your injuries, you need the assistance of an aggressive, experienced lawyer with proven experience and demonstrated case results who can establish fault of the driver and show the seriousness of your injuries and the effects of the accident on your physical, mental and emotional health.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
The Northern California personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. If we handle your case, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for your claim. All costs are advanced for on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery. In the unlikely event that we do not obtain a settlement, verdict or other financial award, you will owe nothing.