Uninsured – underinsured motorist coverage is an essential part of your automobile insurance. In a recent case we handled, our client was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident that unfortunately resulted in a re-aggravation of a shoulder injury he previously had. Our client had just recently undergone surgery to fix a torn shoulder rotator cuff. Unfortunately, the accident damaged his surgically repaired shoulder and re-tore it. The party responsible for the accident admitted liability, but only had the minimum amount of insurance legally required in California, which is coverage for $15,000/$30,000.
Luckily for our client, when we inquired into his own insurance coverage, it turns out that he had underinsurance/uninsurance coverage for limits up to $50,000. Accordingly, if our client was able to exhaust the $15,000 policy of the at-fault party (which would be easy considering the extent of his injuries due to the accident), he could then make a claim with his own underinsurance policy up to the limits of $50,000.
Most people are unaware of the importance of uninsured – underinsured motorist coverage and how useful it can be in these types of situations. Most people are unaware that just for a few dollars more every month, they could get underinsured coverage to protect them in these situations where the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits are inadequate to cover them for a loss. Furthermore, uninsurance coverage can protect in the case where the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
These types of claims can get complicated, so it is best to consult with an attorney if you have been involved in a motor-vehicle accident. If you or anyone you know has been injured due to an automobile accident, please contact the Law Firm of Rivers Morrell for a free consultation to discuss your claims and injuries at (949)305-1400.