Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

San Francisco Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers

Making a Claim on Your Policy

If you were in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may think you have no recourse for recovering compensation. However, you may be able to receive compensation from your own auto insurance policy.

Two of the attorneys at Walker, Hamilton & Kearns, LLP began their legal careers as insurance defense attorneys, so we understand how insurance companies work. Insurance carrier lawyers often decide on settlement amounts based on the experience and reputation of the opposing attorney. Our attorneys are known for their record of winning difficult cases at trial. Insurance company lawyers know that we don’t back down. Please call our office or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our San Francisco uninsured motorist accident attorneys.

State Law Requires Auto Insurance

California law requires that drivers maintain auto insurance in order to keep vehicles registered with the state. The minimum liability insurance requirements for passenger vehicles in California are:

$15,000 for injury/death of one person
$30,000 for injury/death of more than one person
$5,000 for property damage

Insurance carriers are required to report insurance status to the state to try to keep uninsured vehicles off the road. However, this cannot guarantee that people will not drive if they do not have insurance.

Accidents with uninsured and underinsured drivers can happen for reasons such as:

Hit-and-run accidents
Hit by someone with a suspended/revoked driver’s license
Hit by a drunk driver

Auto insurance companies are required to offer drivers an uninsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM) provision and Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage with their policies. If you have purchased this coverage, we can make a claim on your policy if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.