(213) 438-0800Pasadena Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney
If you’ve sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident in Pasadena due to the negligence of another driver, you have a legal right to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
In most cases, the negligent driver’s insurance company should cover these damages. However, the process can become more complex when the at-fault driver is underinsured, meaning their insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your total damages.
If the at-fault driver is underinsured, you may attempt to recover the remaining damages directly from the underinsured driver. Unfortunately, underinsured drivers often lack the financial means to compensate for the damages fully. In such cases, you should be able to seek additional compensation from your underinsured motorist coverage if you have this coverage included in your auto insurance policy.
Underinsured motorist coverage covers the portion of your damages that the underinsured at-fault driver’s insurance won’t cover. This coverage often extends to damages incurred by passengers in your vehicle and applies to accidents where you were a pedestrian or cyclist.
It’s important to note that determining whether you’re dealing with an underinsured motorist situation may take time. It may take time to assess your damages’ full extent and ascertain whether the at-fault driver has sufficient insurance coverage. Given the complexity of underinsured motorist claims, you should consult with our Pasadena underinsured motorist accident lawyer at McNally Law Office, who can guide you through pursuing an injury claim against the at-fault party and an underinsured motorist claim with your insurance company.
Steps To Do If An Underinsured Driver Hits You
If you’re involved in an accident where the at-fault driver is underinsured, meaning their insurance coverage is insufficient to compensate you for your damages fully, it’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your rights and seek additional compensation. Here are the steps to follow if an underinsured driver hits you:
- First, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If there are injuries that require immediate medical attention, call 911.
- Notify the police and request an officer to come to the accident scene. A police report is crucial for documenting the details of the accident.
- Gather essential information from the at-fault driver, including their name, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license number.
- Use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any contributing factors.
- Even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured, seek a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can develop later.
- Contact your insurance company and report the accident, specifying that the at-fault driver is underinsured. Follow their instructions for providing information and filing a claim.
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, providing them with all necessary information. Their policy will likely cover part of your damages.
- Be prepared to negotiate with your insurance company for a fair settlement compensating you for your remaining damages.
- If your insurer needs to be more cooperative or if you encounter difficulties in the claims process, consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in underinsured motorist claims.
Our Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorneys Help You Recover
At McNally Law Office, our underinsured motorist accident attorney can help you swiftly evaluate the extent of your damages resulting from the accident, ensuring you know how much compensation you need to seek from your underinsured motorist policy to cover your losses. This legal guidance can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of underinsured motorist claims and securing the compensation you deserve.
