One of the most frustrating situations after a serious accident is discovering that the person who caused your injuries does not have enough insurance—or has no insurance at all. Even though California requires drivers to carry liability coverage, many motorists are uninsured or carry only minimum limits that may not fully cover serious injuries.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options. At Pilavjian Law, we help injured clients understand how to pursue compensation even when coverage is limited.
Understanding Uninsured vs. Underinsured Drivers
An uninsured driver has no valid liability insurance policy at the time of the accident.
An underinsured driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
For example, if the at-fault driver carries a $15,000 bodily injury limit (California’s minimum requirement) but your injuries total $75,000 or more, their policy may not be enough.
Your Own Insurance May Provide Coverage
Many drivers carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. These coverages are designed specifically for situations like this.
UM coverage may apply if:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- You were involved in a hit-and-run accident
UIM coverage may apply if:
- The at-fault driver’s policy limits are insufficient
- Your total damages exceed their available coverage
In these cases, your own insurance company may step in to cover additional losses—up to the limits of your policy.
Filing a Claim Against Your Own Insurer
While it may feel uncomfortable to file a claim with your own insurance company, UM and UIM claims are contractual rights you have already paid for through your premiums.
However, it is important to understand that your insurance company still has a financial interest in minimizing payouts. Even though you are their policyholder, they may scrutinize your claim just as aggressively as any other insurer.
At Pilavjian Law, we guide clients through the UM and UIM process to ensure their rights are protected.
What If There Is No UM or UIM Coverage?
If you do not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, other potential avenues may include:
- Identifying additional liable parties (such as an employer if the driver was working)
- Exploring whether a vehicle owner is separately responsible
- Investigating third-party negligence (such as unsafe property conditions)
Every case requires a careful evaluation of all possible sources of recovery.
Why These Cases Can Be Complex
Uninsured and underinsured claims often involve layered insurance issues, policy interpretation questions, and strict notice requirements.
Mistakes such as:
- Missing deadlines
- Accepting the at-fault driver’s policy limits without preserving UIM rights
- Providing recorded statements without preparation
can jeopardize recovery.
These cases require careful coordination to protect all available benefits.
Acting Quickly Protects Your Options
Insurance policies often require prompt notice of a potential UM or UIM claim. Delays can create unnecessary disputes.
If you were injured and suspect the at-fault driver may not have adequate insurance, it is important to understand your coverage and next steps as soon as possible.
Contact Pilavjian Law at (818) 380-3021 for a no-obligation consultation. We will review the available insurance policies, explain how uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage applies, and help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to under California law.