If another driver has no applicable liability insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide a potential source of recovery. Coverage is not automatic in every situation. Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez discusses why policy review matters in this video. Obtain declarations, policy documents and correspondence before assuming there is either no claim or a guaranteed payment.
Confirm the insurance information
Preserve the other driver’s identifying information, incident report and any insurer response. An expired card or a driver’s roadside statement may not settle the coverage question. Other owners, employers or policies can raise additional issues depending on the facts. Give counsel complete information about the vehicles and how the collision occurred.
Understand UM and UIM differences
Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage address different insurance problems. The California Department of Insurance describes these coverages in its automobile insurance guide. Policy limits and legal requirements matter. Do not assume different limits simply add together or that a stated limit will necessarily be paid.
Preserve proof and respond carefully
Keep photographs, witness contacts, medical records, bills and income-loss documents. Promptly provide your attorney with insurer letters and requests. Your own insurer may investigate fault and injury causation. Ask about policy duties and claim-specific deadlines; opening a claim alone should not be treated as proof that every requirement has been satisfied.
Review releases before accepting payment
Before signing a release involving another driver or accepting a settlement, obtain advice about its effect on potential coverage and reimbursement issues. Bring all available policies to a consultation. Counsel can evaluate recovery sources and necessary next steps without promising that an uninsured collision will produce compensation.
Discuss your California injury claim
For a free consultation with The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez, call 800-816-1529.
General information supplementing the video, not a transcript or advice for a particular case. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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The Law offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates has almost 3 decades of experience handling personal injury cases all over the state of California. We have handled thousands of cases and obtained millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients. Call now for a no pressure free consultation with an actual attorney. Call 800-816-1529 extension 1, click the chat button on the left, or click here to submit your case.
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