Uninsured Motorist Attorney
The Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Expert
Southern California Attorneys Regularly Consult with Barry P. Goldberg as the Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Expert
Most personal injury lawyers in Southern California handle an Uninsured Motorist case or Underinsured Motorist case from time to time. Many lawyers even boast such a skill on their websites. However, handling Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist cases is not that simple and requires an intimate knowledge of Insurance Law, Arbitration procedure and practical experience in this specialized area. Barry P. Goldberg has developed an efficient and aggressive approach to Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured motorist cases that often results in faster and better results than most.
In fact, other lawyers in Los Angeles, greater Southern California and Northern California, regularly refer to and consult with Barry P. Goldberg concerning the nuances of Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist law. As an author and frequent lecturer on the topic, Mr. Goldberg is a “go to” resource for proper claim presentation, arbitration procedure, damage demonstration and practical solutions.
Less experienced attorneys often miss the significant opportunities for early policy limits settlements in both Uninsured and Underinsured motorist cases. Further, Uninsured and Underinsured motorist cases can unnecessarily languish in the claims process while counsel and client were unaware that cases can be arbitrated or concluded within 60 to 90 days.
Uninsured and Underinsured motorist cases have many “mine fields” that the average “personal injury” lawyer may have difficulty navigating. Most in house insurance company lawyers know exactly how to exploit the inexperienced or unknowing personal injury lawyer. Those in house lawyers can defeat or limit an otherwise excellent case when matched against inexperience.
The insurers keep track of the defense-oriented arbitrators and recommend them every time. Certain arbitrators tend to side with the insurers because they receive voluminous repeat business. It is important to find impartial arbitrators in order to level the playing field. After 28 years, Mr. Goldberg is well-known to many Southern California arbitrators and can level that playing field in many cases.
Uninsured and Underinsured motorist arbitration procedures are different than in regular third-party liability cases in many respects. Even experienced personal injury lawyers who have successfully handled many Uninsured and Underinsured motorist cases were and are unaware of these significant differences. Many lawyers are unprepared for the procedure differences when they arise all to the detriment of their clients.
Barry P. Goldberg often obtains favorable results on Uninsured and Underinsured motorist cases that others did not think were possible. Mr. Goldberg knows how to apply the maximum pressure on insurance adjusters and insurance counsel, within the confines of the law, to increase the chances of a maximum recovery.
Ways to Protect Yourself as an Uninsured Motorist
Driving without insurance is illegal in most states, and yet we an uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist expert knows that many people still do it. There could be many reasons why someone might choose not to buy insurance – they might think they can’t afford it, they might have had their insurance canceled, or they might simply be oblivious to the risks. When such a motorist is involved in an accident, they could find themselves in a very difficult position, paying steep fines, and facing legal action, to say nothing of potential lawsuits from other parties involved in the accident.
However, there are a few ways that uninsured motorists can protect themselves financially and legally before they even embark on the road. Learn more about these methods of protection, and then contact the Law Offices of Barry P. Goldberg for help.
Use a dashcam
Investing in a dashboard camera is a smart move, not just for uninsured drivers but for anyone who wants to protect themselves in case of an accident. A dashcam records video of the road ahead so that in case of an accident, you can prove what happened and who was at fault. This can protect you from lawsuits and false allegations of liability, and may help you in case you file a claim with your car insurer.
Consider medical payments insurance
Medical payments coverage, also known as medpay, is a type of car insurance coverage that pays medical expenses for you and your passengers if you get into an accident, regardless of fault. This type of coverage can be a great way to protect yourself if you don’t have health insurance or if your health insurance coverage is limited, because it can help pay for medical bills even if you were at fault for the accident.
Consider collision coverage
Collision coverage is another type of car insurance coverage that can be beneficial for uninsured drivers according to an uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist expert. This type of coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your car if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of fault. This can be particularly helpful if you rely on your car to get to work or other important activities.
Look into uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is car insurance that provides protection to you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident caused by someone who does not have insurance. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident, and can be particularly helpful if you are an uninsured driver involved in such an accident.
Drive defensively
Finally, the best way to protect yourself as an uninsured driver is to drive defensively and avoid accidents altogether. Avoid distractions while driving, follow traffic rules, and stay alert for other drivers who may be driving recklessly or irresponsibly on the road. Safe driving habits can protect you and others on the road as well.
While driving without insurance is illegal, there are ways for uninsured drivers to protect themselves financially and legally if they’re involved in an accident. However, the best defense is to contact an uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist expert at the Law Offices of Barry P. Goldberg for help.
Common Mistakes People Make With Uninsured Motorist Claims
After a car accident, most of us expect the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover the damages. But if that driver doesn’t have insurance, or if it’s a hit-and-run situation, our uninsured motorist lawyer knows that uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is often the only way to get compensated. While UM coverage is meant to protect you, filing a successful claim takes more than just reporting the accident. There are several common mistakes people make that can weaken or delay their claim—and in some cases, cause it to be denied altogether. If you would like to speak with us or need Spanish translation services at your appointment, give us a call today.
Waiting Too Long To Report The Accident
One of the most common issues with UM claims is delay. Some drivers wait days or even weeks before notifying their own insurance company, especially if they’re unsure what kind of coverage they have. That delay can hurt the claim. Our uninsured motorist lawyer knows that most insurance policies require prompt notice. Waiting too long can give the insurer a reason to question the facts or deny the claim altogether. It’s always better to report the accident as soon as possible, even if you’re still gathering details.
Not Calling The Police After A Hit-and-Run
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, you need a police report to support your uninsured motorist claim. This is often a requirement in the policy itself. But in the stress of the moment, some people leave the scene without calling law enforcement, thinking they’ll just handle it through insurance later. Unfortunately, without a report, your insurer might claim there’s no proof the accident involved an uninsured or unknown driver. Filing a report immediately helps preserve your rights.
Giving A Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements early in the claims process. Many people think this is just a formality and go along with it without preparation. But what you say in that recording can be used against you later. If you describe your injuries in a way that seems inconsistent or unclear, or if you say something that minimizes the impact of the crash, it could reduce the value of your claim. It’s always a good idea to speak with a lawyer first, so you know how to approach the conversation.
Assuming You Don’t Have UM Coverage
It’s surprising how many people don’t realize they’ve been paying for uninsured motorist coverage all along. They assume they’re not covered and don’t file a claim. California insurance policies are required to offer UM coverage, and unless you opted out in writing, it’s likely included. Always review your policy before deciding you can’t file a claim. Your attorney can help clarify what your coverage includes.
Settling Too Quickly With The Insurance Company
It’s not unusual for insurers to offer a quick settlement. After all, they want to close the claim fast and avoid a larger payout later. But if you accept an early offer before knowing the full extent of your injuries or damages, you could be leaving money on the table. Once you settle, you typically give up the right to ask for more later—even if new issues come up. Taking your time and speaking with an attorney helps protect the value of your claim.
Finding The Right Lawyer For Your Case
At Barry P. Goldberg, we help clients avoid these and other common mistakes when dealing with uninsured motorist claims after a car accident. If you’ve been in an accident and the other driver didn’t have insurance, we can help you review your coverage, gather the right documentation, and handle communication with your insurer. Contact our uninsured motorist lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and get the support you need.
