Ventura Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Car insurance is mandatory for all drivers in California, yet many drivers break the law by driving while uninsured. If you get hit by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured in Ventura, this can make the claims process more difficult. You may need assistance from an experienced car accident attorney in Ventura to secure fair financial compensation for your injuries and losses.
The attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP offer personalized legal services with careful attention to detail for car accident victims and their families. We can help you rebuild your life after a serious car accident with an uninsured driver. Contact us at (800) 362-7427 to begin with a free case consultation.
Why Trust Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP With Your Case?
- Our attorneys have been representing clients in California since 1936. We will put our decades of experience in car accident law to good use for you as your attorneys in Ventura.
- We have successfully recovered over $5 billion for our clients. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping clients get their lives back after automobile accidents by securing the results they need.
- Our law firm makes legal representation affordable. Our Ventura personal injury lawyers don’t charge for their services unless they win the client’s case with a settlement or verdict.
The Importance of Hiring an Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney in Ventura
In a standard car accident case in California, the at-fault driver is held responsible for the wreck and pays for the victim’s damages through his or her insurance policy. If the at-fault driver is illegally driving without insurance, this can make it more difficult for the victim to obtain compensation for medical bills, property repairs and other losses. You may need an attorney to represent you during this type of case.
Hiring an attorney for an uninsured motorist claim in Ventura can give you insights into your legal rights when you do not have the option of filing a traditional insurance claim. Your personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process of seeking coverage from your own insurance provider, for instance, or filing a lawsuit against a third party. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf to fight for maximum compensation – even if this means going to trial.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance in California?
The law in California requires all motor vehicle drivers to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. However, other coverage options are also available for purchase. Two examples are uninsured motorist coverage (UMC) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). These types of insurance will cover you if you get hurt in an accident with a driver who does not have the proper insurance.
Every insurance company is required to offer this coverage. If you choose not to purchase UMC or UIM insurance, you must sign a waiver saying that you are rejecting it. If you don’t remember signing this form, you may have this insurance on your policy. This can pay for accidents with uninsured and underinsured drivers in Ventura, up to the limits on your policy. It can also pay for your damages after a hit-and-run crash.
What to Do After an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident in Ventura
After any type of car crash in Ventura, try to remain calm and seek immediate medical care in case you have been injured. While you’re still at the scene, call 911 to report the crash to the police. Don’t admit fault for the accident. Exchange information with the other driver – including insurance information – and take photos of the scene before you leave.
If you find out that the other driver involved in your crash does not have automobile insurance, make sure this is documented on the police report. Then, contact your own car insurance provider to file a claim. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, this can cover your losses. You may also qualify for compensation through collision or comprehensive insurance.
If you do not have the right types of insurance on your own policy and the at-fault driver is uninsured, an additional option for coverage could be suing the other driver. However, uninsured drivers often do not have enough personal assets to pay out of pocket for car accidents. Finally, you may be able to bring a claim against a third party, such as an automotive manufacturer or the government, for contributing to your crash.
Types of Financial Compensation Available
An uninsured motorist claim in Ventura could result in financial compensation or damages for a variety of economic and noneconomic losses. While the values of claims vary based on the unique circumstances, a car accident case could result in compensation for the following losses:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost capacity to earn a living
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Death benefits (in a wrongful death claim)
- Punitive damages
The types of damages you can recover in your uninsured motorist claim will depend on the circumstances and the insurance available. It is important to hire an attorney to represent you if you wish to maximize your payout in an uninsured or underinsured motorist crash case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Ventura?
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a personal injury claim. Each state has different statutes of limitations. In California, the legal filing deadline for most car accident claims – including uninsured motorist cases – is two years from the date of the accident or the date that the victim discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) his or her injuries.
It is critical to take legal action before two years have passed from the date of your uninsured motorist collision in Ventura. Otherwise, the courts will bar you from filing a claim. Note that this is the deadline for a personal injury lawsuit; you should file an insurance claim much sooner – within a day or two after your car accident.
Contact Our Ventura Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers Today
Learning that an uninsured motorist caused your car accident can lead to confusion about your legal rights and options moving forward. A Ventura personal injury lawyer from Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can guide you through the legal process with tailored advice. We will be by your side every step of the way, determining your choices for filing a claim or lawsuit and helping you take the required legal actions.
Discuss your case in detail with one of our lawyers at no cost or obligation today. Contact us online or call us at (800) 362-7427 to request a free consultation in Ventura.