If you’ve been in an accident involving an underinsured motorist, you should talk to a GJEL underinsured motorist lawyer. We have recovered a total of over $400 million from virtually every insurance company in California with a 99% success rate.
When we take a case, we start helping clients with bills from day 1. We know insurance company responsibilities and we can defend your rights and see that you get the settlement you deserve.
Have Your Case Reviewed by Our Underinsured Motorist Attorney for FREE
We can arrange a free consultation with our underinsured motorist lawyer whenever it is comfortable for our client. There are no fees or up-front costs. We only get paid when we win your case. Our lawyers can explain your options and work with the liable parties to see that you are compensated for your losses and injuries.
We are an Award-Winning Underinsured Motorist Accident Law Firm
The law firm of Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey has over thirty years of legal experience with claims involving auto accidents and underinsured motorists in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and throughout Northern California.
After An Accident With an Underinsured Motorist
An underinsured motorist has car insurance, but their liability coverage limits aren’t high enough to cover an injury as a result of an accident they caused. An accident can cost you much more than the California minimum coverage requirement.
1. Don’t panic
Accidents are stressful, but try to stay calm. If you are nervous, you may make mistakes that will damage your claim. Do not apologize or admit to any mistake that may have contributed to the accident.
2. Call the police
After any accident, call the police immediately. The police will make a report and collect information that will become vital evidence in our work toward building a case for a settlement or a trial.
3. If anyone is hurt, call the ambulance
If anyone has been injured, call an ambulance. After an accident, you may not feel the pain immediately. See a doctor to make sure that there are no hidden injuries. If you say “I am fine” now, you may have difficulty collecting damages later.
4. Collect information
Get the telephone number and address of the underinsured motorist, and inquire about where they work. Take photos or videos of the accident. All this information will help your underinsured motorist lawyer in settling your case.
5. Don’t make any agreements at the place of the accident
Don’t agree on any negotiations with the motorist or their insurance company until you have spoken to an underinsured motorist lawyer. You may wind up signing away your rights or settling for a smaller settlement than you are entitled to.
6. Contact an underinsured motorist lawyer
An underinsured motorist accident attorney will be able to determine who is at fault in the accident and tally up the value of your damages. They can then help you seek all available compensation and give you instructions on what to do next.
How to tell an Underinsured Motorist from an Uninsured Motorist
Uninsured motorists have no coverage. Underinsured motorists have insurance that doesn’t cover all your damages. Our experienced GJEL California Uninsured Motorist Lawyers can protect you if you’re hit by a driver whose insurance doesn’t fully cover your damages or injuries,
Reasons You Need an Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Most Californians are protected from underinsured and uninsured drivers under their legally required auto insurance policies. If a California driver is involved in an accident with an underinsured driver, the victim must seek restitution from someone who is probably unable to pay. In this case, the victim’s own insurance company is then legally required to pay for the damages.
Policy of Insurance Companies
Often, however, many California drivers don’t even realize they have underinsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance policy. If you have underinsured motorist coverage, it can provide you with a much higher case value than that initially offered by your insurance company. Many people feel that they are protected by their insurance companies or are comforted by assurances from other drivers involved in the accident that the damages will be covered. But only with professional, experienced legal assistance can a driver recover what he or she is truly owed.
Complex California Insurance Law
If you have an accident involving an underinsured driver, you need an underinsured motorist lawyer. California’s insurance law is complex, and most citizens are not aware of all the details. Insurance companies have lawyers acting in their own interest, so you need a lawyer who will act for you.
Many Californian Drivers Are Underinsured
It is estimated that as many as 20% of all drivers in California drive without any auto insurance, and another 20% of California drivers carry minimal insurance at best. The chance of being involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist in California is very real, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Reimbursement For Bills
We have recovered tens of millions of dollars in uninsured motorist damages for our clients. Our Northern California underinsured motorist lawyer possesses the ability to recover damages from your insurance company and the other driver(s), and we will pursue reimbursement for medical bills, pain and suffering, wrongful death, loss of work, and other areas specified by law. In most cases, you are legally entitled to these financial awards. We will ensure that they are paid to you in a timely and efficient manner if we win your case.
Contact GJEL for Underinsured Motorist Cases
If you have been involved in an auto accident involving an underinsured driver, contact a Northern California underinsured motorist lawyer at our firm for more information and a free consultation. Our San Francisco and Northern California underinsured motorist lawyer represents our client’s interests aggressively, and we have decades of experience with claims related to accidents involving an underinsured motorist.
Contact Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey at 1-855-508-9565, the Northern California underinsured motorist attorney, for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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CALIFORNIA UNDERINSURED MOTORIST ACCIDENT LAW FIRM RESOURCES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to settle an underinsured motorist claim?
In general, settling an underinsured motorist claim takes between 6 months and a year. If the case involves third parties like your underinsured motorist insurer, it can take even longer.
Can I sue an underinsured motorist for damages?
You can sue an underinsured motorist, but often they don’t have the resources to make a lawsuit worthwhile. You will do better working with an underinsured motorist attorney to get the maximum possible compensation for your losses.
What is the statute of limitations for underinsured motorists in California?
California’s statute of limitations gives you a two-year time limit to file an underinsured motorist claim. If you do not file within that time period, you will be unable to file a lawsuit or claim damages for your losses.
Does California require underinsured motorist coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage is optional but highly recommended. An underinsured motorist lawyer can file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement towards your auto damage and medical bills, but only if you have underinsured motorist coverage.
Is California a no-fault state?
California is not a no-fault state. This means the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible, and you must identify the driver and prove they are at fault. An underinsured motorist lawyer can help ensure you get maximum compensation.