Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Rancho Mirage
Getting into a car accident is already stressful—but when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, it can feel even more overwhelming. You might wonder how you will cover the costs of car repairs, medical bills, and time away from work.
An experienced auto collision attorney at Walter Clark Legal Group could help you understand your options and explore all possible sources of compensation. They could act as your advocate and ensure you are not left paying for someone else’s mistake after uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Rancho Mirage.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is part of an accident victim’s own auto insurance policy. This coverage can protect them when the driver responsible for the accident does not have enough—or any—insurance.
An individual may use their UM/UIM coverage when the other driver has no insurance or when that driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover the total cost of the accident. This coverage is also useful in hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver is never identified.
Even without the at-fault driver’s insurance, an injured individual’s own insurance policy may still provide compensation. Potential recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses, from emergency care to rehabilitation
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Damage to a vehicle or personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress from the trauma of the accident
After a car accident, a qualified lawyer in Rancho Mirage could review a person’s insurance policy and help determine if UM/UIM coverage applies to their case. If it does, the attorney could also help ensure that all possible damages are identified and included in a UM/UIM claim.
Filing a UM/UIM Claim and Dealing With Insurance Companies
Even when someone is filing a claim with their own insurance company, the process is not always smooth. Insurance providers often try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims altogether. That is why having strong legal guidance from the beginning is vital.
An attorney handling a Rancho Mirage uninsured or underinsured car crash case could assist with:
- Communicating with the insurance company
- Submitting proper documentation
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Taking the case to court, if necessary
They could also advise an individual about how their statements to insurers might affect their case.
Complex Scenarios Involving Multiple Policies
Some accidents involve more than one insurance policy. For example, if the at-fault driver has minimal coverage and the injured person also has UM/UIM protection, both policies may be applied. In more complex situations, umbrella insurance or household coverage may also be relevant.
Navigating these overlapping coverages can be complicated, but an experienced Rancho Mirage lawyer could help an auto accident victim understand what applies and how to pursue full compensation when dealing with an underinsured or uninsured motorist.
Reasons To Choose Legal Support After an Uninsured Accident
Getting compensation after a Rancho Mirage car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver often requires more effort than a typical insurance claim. Having the support of a law firm like Walter Clark Legal Group could make the process easier and more effective.
Whether someone needs help identifying coverage or contesting a denial, a lawyer is there to offer thoughtful guidance. Even when the firm does not take on a case directly, it is committed to being a legal resource and referring individuals to a trusted co-counsel.
Speak With a Rancho Mirage Attorney About Your Uninsured or Underinsured Car Accident
You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s irresponsibility. A lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group could help you understand your rights and guide you through a UM/UIM claim with clarity and care.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn more about uninsured/ underinsured car accidents in Rancho Mirage.
