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If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in San Diego and found out that the at-fault driver either didn’t have insurance or didn’t have enough coverage, you’re not alone. You may now be facing the challenge of working with your own insurance company to get the compensation you need for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other costs related to the accident.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with how your insurance company is managing your claim? An experienced San Diego lawyer specializing in uninsured and underinsured car accidents can step in to advocate for your interests, manage communications with insurance adjusters, and fight to recover the financial support you are entitled to.
We are The Levinson Law Group, respected uninsured motorist accident lawyers in San Diego, California
At The Levinson Law Group, we specialize exclusively in representing individuals who have suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents — including everything from high-impact collisions to complicated uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Unlike general practice firms, our focus on car accident law gives us a comprehensive and strategic understanding of what it takes to win the cases we handle.
What makes us stand out is our insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. Many of our attorneys have previously worked for some of the largest insurers in the nation, which provides us with the expertise to effectively challenge claim denials and lowball offers.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you. In most cases, we also cover all necessary case costs upfront. Contact The Levinson Law Group today to discuss your legal options.
Car Accident Statistics in San Diego, California
Car accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in California and across the United States. According to data from the California Highway Patrol, there were 3,904 fatalities resulting from 3,582 fatal crashes statewide in 2017. Additionally, 227,160 individuals were injured in 193,564 non-fatal collisions that same year. Disturbingly, 2017 saw a ten-year high in total car accidents in California, a concerning trend that seems to persist.
Compounding the danger, approximately 12 percent of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This statistic increases the likelihood that car accident victims may face difficulties in securing full compensation, making the assistance of an experienced attorney crucial for navigating the complexities of the claims process.
California Car Insurance Laws
In California, all drivers are legally required to carry auto insurance in order to operate a vehicle. The state’s minimum required coverage includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $5,000 per accident
While these minimums meet California’s legal insurance requirements, they often fail to cover the full extent of damages in the event of a serious accident. As a result, many drivers choose to add uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage to their policies. These optional coverages provide important protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient coverage to fully compensate for the damages.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) is a type of auto insurance designed to protect you if you’re injured in a car accident caused by a driver who lacks insurance. This coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that the at-fault driver would have been liable for if they had carried the appropriate liability insurance.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) is similar to Uninsured Motorist Coverage, but it applies when the at-fault driver has insurance that doesn’t fully cover your accident-related losses. UIM helps fill the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and the total costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
While some states require drivers to carry both UIM and UMC, California does not. However, California law does mandate that insurance companies offer both coverages to all policyholders. If the insurer does not obtain a signed waiver from the customer declining UMC or UIM coverage, the company may be required to provide it in the event of a claim.
Why UMC and UIM are Crucial for California Drivers
California law allows drivers to legally purchase an auto insurance policy without Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM). However, many drivers choose to include these protections in their policies. The reason is simple: not all drivers carry sufficient insurance. Some opt out of insurance altogether due to cost, while others purchase only the minimum legally required coverage, which often falls short in the event of a serious accident.
Recent data shows that the average annual auto insurance premium in California is approximately $957.08, making it one of the lowest rates in the nation. Despite this, a growing number of drivers are not maintaining the minimum required coverage. In fact, about 15 percent of California motorists are uninsured, giving the state the 12th highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country. Statistically, this means there is about a one-in-six chance that the driver who causes your accident has no insurance at all.
The importance of having both UMC and UIM coverage becomes clear when considering real-world scenarios. For example:
Dealing With an Insurance Company in San Diego, CA
As a responsible and cautious driver, you follow traffic laws, respect others on the road, and invest in comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Naturally, you expect that if you’re ever injured in an accident caused by another driver, your insurance will provide the support you need. However, the reality of dealing with insurance companies after a serious car crash is often much more complicated than it should be.
While insurers present themselves as caring and dedicated to protecting their policyholders, they are, at their core, for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to collect more in premiums than they pay out in claims.
When an accident occurs and a claim is filed, the tone often changes. The compassionate image is replaced with a cold, calculated approach. Insurance companies enlist experienced teams of attorneys to minimize payouts and safeguard their profits. As a result, many accident victims find themselves in a difficult battle just to receive the coverage they’ve been faithfully paying for.
At The Levinson Law Group, our team of experienced uninsured and underinsured motorist attorneys understands the ins and outs of the insurance industry. Several of our lawyers previously defended major insurance companies against claims like yours. Now, we use that insider knowledge to fight aggressively for our clients, pushing back against insurance tactics and ensuring that they receive the benefits and compensation they are rightfully entitled to.
What to Do After an Accident With an Underinsured or Uninsured Driver in San Diego, California
If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist—and you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)—the steps you take immediately after the crash can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Here are the key actions to keep in mind following a San Diego accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver:
Report the Accident
Driving without insurance is illegal in California. Unfortunately, when an uninsured driver causes an accident, they may try to avoid legal consequences by asking you not to report the crash. Some might even offer you cash at the scene in exchange for keeping the matter private.
While the immediate property damage to your vehicle might seem manageable, the full extent of your injuries or losses may not be clear until days or even weeks later. Accepting a small cash settlement on the spot could leave you with no recourse if your damages ultimately amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Protect your legal rights and financial future—always report the accident and document everything, even if it seems minor at the time.
Get Checked Out by a Doctor
When you report a car accident, emergency dispatchers usually send medical personnel to the scene to assess and treat any urgent injuries. However, even if you weren’t transported to the hospital or decided not to seek immediate care, it’s essential to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Many serious car accident injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—may not show symptoms right away but can result in long-term health issues if left untreated. A prompt medical evaluation not only protects your well-being but also documents your injuries, which is crucial if you decide to file an insurance claim later.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies require you to report an accident within a specific timeframe in order to remain eligible for coverage. Failing to notify your insurer in a timely manner could jeopardize your ability to file a claim.
When speaking with a representative from your insurance company, it’s important to provide truthful answers to their questions—but avoid offering unnecessary details. Insurance adjusters are trained to identify statements that could be used to minimize or deny your claim. Stick to the facts, and if you’re uncertain about how to respond, consider consulting with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Reach Out To a Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in San Diego, CA
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with how your insurance company is handling your claim, it’s time to reach out to a San Diego car accident attorney. An experienced lawyer can take over communication with the insurance provider, easing your stress and ensuring that your case is given the attention it deserves.
Insurance companies often try to take advantage of unrepresented claimants, assuming that most individuals are unaware of their rights or how to enforce the terms of their policy. With a skilled attorney on your side, you can level the playing field—protecting your interests and improving your chances of securing a fair recovery.
Contact San Diego, California No Insurance Accident Lawyer at The Levinson Group
Negotiating with an insurance company after a serious accident is rarely simple. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a legal team that genuinely prioritizes your best interests. At The Levinson Law Group, our San Diego car accident attorneys bring over 40 years of combined experience representing injury victims through every step of the claims process.
Founding attorney Gordon Levinson and his team are former insurance defense lawyers, which provides us with unique insight into how insurers operate—and how to effectively challenge their strategies. This insider knowledge, combined with our steadfast commitment to client advocacy, allows us to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
When you choose The Levinson Law Group, you are selecting dedicated personal injury and car accident lawyers who will stand by your side from beginning to end. We take the time to explain the recovery process in clear, understandable terms and remain available to answer your questions as they arise.
To explore your legal options, call us today at 760-827-1700. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. In most cases, we also advance all necessary case costs.
