Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Fullerton
Anytime you are in an automobile collision with another vehicle, the legal process can be confusing. Fortunately, most of the time, you can seek compensation for the damage to your vehicle and your injuries from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, what are your legal options if the driver who hit you did not have insurance or did not have enough insurance?
Fortunately, our knowledgeable local legal staff at CD Law is available to answer all your questions concerning uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Fullerton. After meeting with you in a complimentary consultation, a car accident attorney can review the details of your accident and help you identify the potential legal options to pursue.
Pursuing a Lawsuit Against the Driver
In Fullerton, you might be able to pursue a lawsuit directly against the uninsured or underinsured motorist who was to blame for causing the crash. To prevail, you would need to establish that the motorist was legally responsible. In most cases, you could establish liability by showing that the driver was negligent with evidence such as:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly
If your lawsuit is successful, you could potentially recover economic damages to cover the cost of your out-of-pocket expenses, such as your current and future anticipated medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. You could also seek to recover money for your non-economic damages, which could include compensation for:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Decreased enjoyment of life
However, suing an underinsured motorist is not usually effective for financial reasons. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, they likely do not have the financial means for sufficient insurance coverage. In rare instances where a driver has no automotive insurance but substantial financial resources, such as when they had the money but accidentally allowed their existing insurance policy to lapse, you could succeed with a lawsuit. Our seasoned attorneys could investigate the underinsured or uninsured driver’s financial situation to determine if we could pursue a direct claim against the driver.
Can You Pursue a Lawsuit Against a Third Party?
If someone else did something that contributed to the car crash, you might be able to sue that third party directly. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to sue a manufacturer of a defective automotive part if the car malfunctioned or the governmental authority in charge of roadway repairs if a large pothole caused the crash. Our diligent legal team in Fullerton can investigate the details of an underinsured or uninsured automobile crash to see if anyone else’s actions played a role.
Pursuing Coverage Under Your Own Insurance Company
Often, the best option is to seek compensation under your own insurance policy, even if you were not at fault for the crash. The state does not require drivers to carry underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage for crashes in Fullerton, although all insurance companies must offer this.
Our dedicated attorneys at CD Law can carefully review your policy to verify if you carry the right coverage. Even if you do, it can be difficult to get the full compensation you need because insurance companies are notorious for denying or minimizing the value of claims. Our attorneys are familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use, and we could advocate on your behalf for fair compensation.
Call Us in Fullerton for an Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accident
Uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Fullerton are frustrating because it can be much more challenging to get the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, our legal staff at CD Law has years of experience helping people overcome similar hurdles.
Meet with a determined attorney today for a complimentary consultation and let us work tirelessly to help you resolve your legal problems.