Piering Law Firm
Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Uninsured Motorist Claims

Despite laws in California requiring that all drivers carry auto insurance, it is estimated that as many as 20% of all drivers have no insurance at all. As such, it is wise as a California motorist, to carry uninsured motorist coverage which in the event of an accident with an uninsured motorist will provide you with the monetary compensation that you deserve for your physical injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. Auto insurance law is complicated enough, without the added element of an uninsured driver. Insurance adjusters may try to offer you an inadequate settlement in order to avoid a lawsuit. Do not accept any offers or sign any paperwork without first consulting your attorney.

The lawyers at the Piering Law Firm have years of experience handling auto related lawsuits and claims. Car accidents involving uninsured motorists can be extremely serious cases, and may result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage, medical expenses and other costs. Unfortunately, many drivers' own insurance companies attempt to undervalue their case, or will only pay a small portion of what an experienced uninsured motorist lawyer could recover for them. These expenses can be especially high if there were injuries or significant damages as a result of the accident.

What is an UM/UIM claim?

An Uninsured Motorist (UM) is a claim you can bring against your automobile insurance company if:

1) you were involved in an accident caused by another driver;

2) the driver who caused the accident did not carry any automobile insurance;

3) you or the driver of your vehicle had UM coverage at the time of the accident.

Similarly, you can bring an Under-Insured Motorist (UIM) claim against your automobile insurance company if:

1) you were involved in an accident caused by another driver;

2) the other driver who caused the accident carried liability insurance but your uninsured coverage limits are greater than his liability limits;

3) you have collected the policy limit(s) from the other driver’s insurance company.

Who is covered by the uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage insures the named insured, the spouse, any occupants in the vehicle and their heirs or legal representatives that are legally entitled to recover as result of damages for bodily injury, including any resulting sickness, disease or death.

Contact the Piering Law Firm at 916 446-1944 to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation. All cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no legal fee charged until we recover for you. Talk with an ethical and dedicated lawyer committed to your recovery. We will be with you all the way.