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Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists
Around 14% of motorists are uninsured. The risk is higher than you think. You might not be as protected as you think. When an uninsured driver causes an accident, the consequences can be severe. Even if a negligent driver has insurance, it might not be sufficient to cover all the costs associated with your accident. Don’t let an Uninsured Driver Wreck Your Future: Get the Compensation you Deserve.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Under California law, all motorists are required to carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, a substantial number of drivers fail to comply with this requirement. Even with UM or UIM coverage, insurance companies can make the claims process difficult.
This is why, even with uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, you might not be as protected as you think. At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in handling cases involving uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Our lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle these challenges effectively, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your damages.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage And Why You Need A Lawyer
Bringing a Claim Against
Your Own Insurance Company
When the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance coverage, you will need to bring a claim against your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policy.
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What Is UM/UIM: This coverage protects the insured when the at-fault driver has no insurance (Uninsured) or not enough insurance (Underinsured) to cover their damages.
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The Crucial Role of an Attorney:
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The Irony: When you file a UM/UIM claim, your own insurance company becomes the opposing party and will often try to minimize your payout.
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Your Advocate: A lawyer is essential to ensure your insurer negotiates in good faith, properly values your claim, and pays the maximum benefits available under your policy.
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Common UM/UIM Scenarios We Handle:
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Hit-and-run drivers who flee the scene.
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Drivers with no valid insurance policy.
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Drivers whose low insurance limits are quickly exhausted by your medical bills and lost wages.
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Accidents involving out-of-state or commercial vehicles.
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Identifying Every Possible Source Of Compensation Under Your Policy
An effective personal injury lawyer must be able to identify every possible source of compensation following an accident.
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Compensation Under Your Policy Can Include:
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Medical bills and ongoing hospital expenses.
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Lost wages and reduced future earning potential.
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
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Property damage and vehicle repair costs (if applicable under their policy).
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Compensation for permanent disability or wrongful death.
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Proving Fault is Key: Even with a UM/UIM claim, you must still prove the other driver was at fault. At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, our legal team has the ability to gather and present evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data.
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Contingency Fee: We handle all accident cases on a contingency fee basis–you only get paid if we recover money for you!
Challenges with Insurance Companies
We Overcome Insurance Tactics: You might assume that your insurance company, having received your premiums faithfully, would be prepared to pay your claim promptly. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, offering low settlement amounts. This is where the expertise of our lawyers can make a significant difference. We are prepared for common adjuster tactics, such as questioning injury severity or suggesting that you are partially at fault. We fight back to ensure your claim is fairly valued.
Compiling and Presenting Evidence
Full Case Preparation: We thoroughly prepare your case for either maximum settlement or successful arbitration. We will compile and present the necessary evidence to show your insurance company why it should pay for your damages, up to the policy limits if necessary. While many of our cases settle before reaching trial, we are always prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company does not treat you fairly– refusing to cooperate or offering an unfair settlement.
PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN LAW
CONTACT US
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US…
Rebecca Spencer…. “Sandy and Gavin were extremely helpful and responsive with my case. I would highly recommend them for any issues regarding employment law.”
Rajaa Ahmadie…. “Gavin Kassel is a great attorney.. Did work hard for me.. Always answered my concerns and he is very focused. I highly recommend him. The important part–he is always accessible.
Lauren Klein…. “Sandy and Gavin (along with the office staff) were a pleasure to work with. They took good care of me and explained everything before we took each step to ensure that the decisions were mine but I was making them fully informed.”
Athul Raj…. “Gavin and Sandy did better than I even expected for me on my case. Very professional, helpful, and knowledgeable attorneys. You are in great hands with them!”
Anne Mitchell…. “I interviewed several attorneys when I was dealing with an employment law situation that I needed resolved. After meeting with Gavin and Sandy, I knew they were the right law firm for the job. I’m extremely happy with the outcome of my case! They are honest, professional, hard-working, always kept me updated on what was happening, easy to talk to, and very tough litigators. I highly recommend their office.
Sara Bavle…. “Sanford Kassel has been so much help for me. I’ve never had someone fight so hard for me in my life. I’m lucky to have found him. I definitely recommend him to anyone who needs help. Thank you Mr. Kassel, you have no idea how much I appreciate everything you’ve done and continue to do for me.”
Benjamin Mazal…. “Excellent, sincere service. The attorneys and staff are helpful, efficient and reassuring. I recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. They will definitely make your experience as smooth as possible. Simply the best!”
Matt Brown…. “Absolutely the best law firm in the Inland Empire! I highly recommend Sanford Kassel because of his outstanding service and commitment to meeting his client’s needs. He and his team are proven winners and they will fight for you.”
Selina Kerr…. “Such amazing people. I had a great outcome thanks to Gavin handling. He was able to advise me on the best way to handle so my job was protected until everything was resolved. I was able to get a hold of him quickly when had any questions and he was patient with me even though I was a little rattled with my work situation. Extremely grateful.”
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What To Do Immediately After An Accident With An Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Here is a guide on the crucial steps you should take immediately following an accident. There are 5 Critical Steps to Protect Your Claim:
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Safety First & Call The Police:
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Move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location, if possible.
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Call 911 immediately to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report is vital evidence for any UM/UIM claim.
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Gather Information Thoroughly:
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Get the other driver’s name, phone number, and address.
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Crucially, ask to see their insurance card and record the company name and policy number.
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If they admit they are uninsured, or if the card seems expired, note this down immediately.
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For a hit-and-run (uninsured claim), note the make, model, color, and license plate (even a partial one) of the vehicle that fled.
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Document The Scene With Photos:
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Use your phone to take pictures of:
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Damage to all vehicles involved.
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The license plates of the other vehicle(s).
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The overall accident scene, including road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs.
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Visible injuries.
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Seek Medical Attention:
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Even if you feel fine, see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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Some serious injuries (like whiplash or concussions) may not show symptoms right away.
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Crucially: This creates an official record linking your injuries to the time of the accident, which is necessary for any insurance claim.
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Contact Your Attorney Before Your Insurance Company:
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Do not give a recorded statement to your insurance company or the other party’s insurer until you have spoken with an attorney.
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An experienced lawyer can guide you through the initial reporting requirements of your UM/UIM policy and protect you from saying anything that could be used to devalue your claim. In addition, time is of the essence, as state law limits the time you have to file a claim. Insurance policies may have a shorter reporting deadline, as well.
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California Ranks High In Percentage Of Uninsured And Underinsured Motorists
Estimates for the percentage of uninsured motorists in California vary depending on the source and year of the study, but generally fall between 15% and 21%.1
Here are some key statistics:
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Uninsured Rate:
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The California DMV estimates that approximately 17% of drivers in the state are uninsured, as of a 2024 report
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Other reports give a similar figure, noting that about 16.6% of California motorists are completely uninsured
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A 2023 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimated the rate to be 20.4% for California
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Underinsured Motorists (UIM):
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Many more drivers are considered underinsured because the state’s minimum liability limits are very low. The mandatory minimum coverage for bodily injury or death to one person has not been revised since 1967.
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One 2024 estimate suggests that about 6% of California drivers are currently underinsured, meaning their coverage may not be enough to fully compensate others in a serious accident
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This high rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers means that roughly one in six or one in seven accidents in California may involve an uninsured motorist.
Highly Successful In Settlements And At Trial
At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome for your losses. We will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. From our San Bernardino-based offices, our legal team has the staff and resources to serve the State of California. There is no charge for the initial consultation. We will come to your home, or hospital bedside, evenings and weekends included, whichever is most convenient for you and your family.
Whatever your legal dilemma, you don’t have to go it alone. When you speak with one of our highly-trained and trusted Plaintiff’s Attorneys, we will listen to the facts, answer your questions and give you an honest assessment of what your options are, including a plan on how to proceed. We work with a team of top-notch legal experts to ensure that each client has the best possible representation. We can help you sort through the issues of this difficult situation, and advise you what the best course of action will be. Let the highly-experienced legal team at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, help you safeguard your rights and achieve the justice you deserve.
Most of our cases are taken on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay for our services unless we collect a settlement (or obtain a judgment at trial) for you.