San FranciscoUninsured or Underinsured
Motorist Claims Attorney

Why Choose Us for Your Car Accident Claim

• Our firm has maintained a 98% case success rate. You can trust our attorneys to fight aggressively for your right to maximum compensation.
• We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients. We will not settle for any amount less than what you deserve and will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
• Our lawyers will provide you with caring and focused attention during each stage of your case so that they can deliver the most comprehensive legal representation.

California Car Insurance Laws and Requirements

Like most places in the United States, California follows a fault-based car accident system. If a driver is responsible for an accident, he or she must pay for it. To uphold this important duty, all drivers must carry liability insurance with the following amounts of coverage:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person in an accident caused by the policyholder
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person in an accident caused by the policyholder
• $5,000 for damage to property in an accident caused by the policyholder

These are the minimum requirements for car insurance, and drivers can purchase higher amounts of coverage if they choose. If a victim’s damages exceed these limits, the driver would be personally responsible for the remaining amount. In addition to filing an insurance claim, a car accident victim may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

If a driver fails to meet California’s insurance requirements, he or she could face fines between $100 to $200 plus penalty assessment fees. These fines will increase for second and subsequent offenses.

Common Injuries and Damages in California Car Accidents

A car accident can lead to many types of injuries, which can range from mild to very severe. Some of the most common car accident injuries include the following:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Back and neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Burns and scarring
• Cuts and bruises
• Torn ligaments and other soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

Depending on their severity, car accident injuries often require expensive medical care. You may need miss days or even weeks of work following the collision. You may also experience pain and suffering, permanent disability, and extensive property damage in addition to these financial burdens.

Will Your Own Insurance Cover Medical Expenses and Other Costs?

Many people seriously hurt by uninsured and underinsured drivers have some recourse via their own insurance policies. Important considerations in your car, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accident case may include:

• Whether you have uninsured/underinsured (UM/UI) motorist coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, and the policy limits that apply
• Whether, as is often the case, your auto policy covers the type of accident that injured you — as a passenger with someone else driving, when driving a rental car, or as an injured motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian injured because of another driver’s negligence, for example
• Whether other important circumstances apply, such as the involvement of a drunk driver , potentially enabling a claim against a bar, restaurant or other party for violating dram shop/liquor liability laws

If you were involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your first course of action will likely involve a UM/UI claim or a claim under your own insurance. You may also explore your options for litigation against the driver or a third party. At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, your attorney can assess your options and help you identify your optimal path to recovery.

Cutting Through Complexity and Targeting All Available Compensation for You

Auto insurance laws and the language in policies are both complex, and negotiations or litigation can be especially challenging in an uninsured/underinsured motorist case. We are personable, straight-talking attorney who will go the distance to help you get the money you need to deal with the aftermath of a serious accident.

Please contact us today at Choulos Choulos & Wyle in San Francisco. We are here to provide the accident investigation, coverage analysis and advocacy your case demands, beginning with a free initial consultation.