Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in El Centro
In addition to following traffic laws and watching out for other people on the road with them, drivers in the Golden State are also expected to purchase a minimum amount of car insurance coverage and then keep their policy in good standing by regularly paying their premiums. Unfortunately, not everyone here follows that law. If someone without auto insurance ends up causing a traffic accident, the fact that they are uninsured can significantly complicate the financial recovery process for anyone injured in that wreck.
When it comes to recovering as much money as possible after an uninsured/underinsured car accident in El Centro, there is no substitute for guidance from an experienced car crash attorney who has handled similar cases successfully in the past. That said, it can be helpful to know a little in advance about how these sorts of claims work. So, here is a broad overview of California auto insurance laws and what options you may have for seeking financial restitution after a collision with an uninsured driver.
What Does State Law Say About Auto Insurance?
As of 2024, California state law requires all automobile owners to purchase liability insurance coverage providing at least:
- $15,000 worth of coverage for a single person’s injuries
- $30,000 for all injuries
- $5,000 for all property damage stemming from a single wreck
However, starting on January 1, 2025, the minimum insurance requirements will increase to:
- $30,000 for a single person’s injuries
- $60,000 for all injuries
- $15,000 for all property damage caused by a single wreck
Regardless of whether they have collision or comprehensive insurance to cover their own losses stemming from a car crash, a driver who does not have liability insurance in keeping with state law may face significant fines and other administrative sanctions. Perhaps most notably, the recent passage of Proposition 213 also prohibits uninsured drivers from recovering for any pain and suffering damages in the wake of a car accident in El Centro or elsewhere in California—even if that accident was caused entirely by someone else’s negligence.
Taking Advantage of UIM Coverage
Unfortunately, all the penalties mentioned above are not designed to help people injured by uninsured or underinsured drivers who end up causing car wrecks in El Centro. If the person responsible for causing a crash has very little or no car insurance coverage and few personal assets to put towards a personal injury settlement or court verdict, the only option for someone injured in that wreck may be seeking additional compensation through their own auto insurance coverage.
While California does not explicitly require drivers to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), it does require insurance companies to include this coverage in all standard auto insurance policies until the policyholder waives their right to it in writing. A qualified lawyer could help determine whether a particular policy includes this coverage and, if it does, take advantage of that coverage after a crash caused by an uninsured driver.
Get Help from an El Centro Attorney After an Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accident
Uninsured drivers are not just breaking the law, but are also violating the duty of care they owe everyone else on public roads. Unfortunately, that fact does not necessarily mean that filing suit over an uninsured/underinsured car accident in El Centro is easy—especially if you have suffered serious injuries that your own insurance policy may not fully cover the effects of.
Assistance from a knowledgeable legal professional can be all but essential to getting the best possible resolution from this type of case. Call Walter Clark Legal Group today to learn more and discuss your case.