San Mateo Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Lawyer
Their Coverage Came Up Short. Your Recovery Doesn't Have To.
When the driver who hit you has no insurance, or not nearly enough, a crash gets harder to recover from. Our attorneys help San Mateo accident victims pursue UM/UIM benefits and every other path to full compensation.
$75+ million
recovered for injured clients
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No fee
unless we win
Available 24/7
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A Low-Limit Policy Isn't the End of the Road
California requires every driver to carry minimum liability insurance. Not everyone complies. And many drivers who do carry insurance buy only the state minimum, which may not come close to covering extensive medical bills, lost wages, or a totaled car.
When that happens, the injured person is left asking who will pay for the rest. Often the answer includes your own policy: uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage exists for exactly this situation. But having the coverage and getting paid are two different things. Insurers don’t always pay UM/UIM claims automatically, even to their own customers.
You may need help if:
The at-fault driver had no insurance at all
Their policy limits are too low to cover your injuries
Your own insurer is disputing or undervaluing your UM/UIM claim
You aren't sure what coverage you have, or what else might apply
We sort out every available source, free of charge.
When the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
Get a police report.
It records the crash and the other driver’s insurance status, and every insurer involved will ask for it.
Collect the driver's details, insured or not.
Name, license, plate, and whatever insurance information they have. An uninsured driver can still be identified and pursued.
Pull out your own policy.
Look for uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments coverage on the declarations page, or send it to us to review.
Report the claim promptly, and carefully.
Your own insurer has notice requirements, but it also becomes the party paying you. Talk to us before giving a detailed statement.
Keep treating and keep records.
A UM/UIM claim is judged on the same medical evidence as any injury claim; gaps in care invite a lower offer.
Don't take "your injuries aren't that serious" as the final word.
When your insurer undervalues a claim, we push back with documentation.
Where Compensation Can Come From
Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
When the at-fault driver has no insurance, UM coverage on your own policy can pay for your injuries and related losses, up to your limits.
Your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage
When the at-fault driver’s policy is too small, UIM coverage can make up some or all of the difference.
A lawsuit against the at-fault driver
If insurance doesn’t cover all your expenses, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver directly.
Third-party claims
Another entity, like a vehicle manufacturer, may have played a role in the crash and can be held responsible for its share.
How We Handle UM/UIM Claims
Filing a UM/UIM claim is rarely the end of the process. Insurers may argue your injuries aren’t severe enough, that the policy limits don’t apply, or they may stall with lengthy investigations. Establishing who was at fault and which coverage applies can also take work.
We handle each of those challenges:
- Review your policy, and any other policies that may cover you, for UM, UIM, and medical payments limits
- Gather evidence that shows fault and the full extent of your injuries
- Negotiate with your insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurer
- Look for third parties who may share responsibility, such as a vehicle manufacturer
That preparation starts with a line-by-line reading of your own policy, so we know exactly how much UIM coverage is available before the first demand goes out. Every client gets personal attention and a group of professionals assigned to the case.
California UM/UIM Basics
Minimum insurance is required, but minimums are low
State law requires drivers to carry liability coverage, but the minimums may not cover a serious injury. That’s where UM/UIM coverage matters.
UM/UIM claims are made against your own insurer
Your insurance company must still evaluate your claim fairly. When it delays, disputes, or undervalues a valid claim, you have options.
Deadlines apply to every path
Lawsuits generally must be filed within two years of the injury, and UM claims carry their own notice requirements that can be much shorter.
Partial fault reduces, but doesn't bar, recovery
California’s pure comparative negligence rule applies whether you’re claiming against another driver or your own UM/UIM coverage.
What Our Clients Say
As this was my first time being in a car accident, I was distraught and did not have much knowledge regarding legal fairs such as what attorney would best suit…
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This was my first time to have a car accident, so I did not know what I had to do. My friends suggested I contact Jimin since they all had…
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San Mateo Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist FAQs
What is UM/UIM coverage?
It’s coverage on your own auto policy that helps pay your losses when an at-fault driver has no insurance (uninsured motorist) or not enough (underinsured motorist).
I have UM/UIM coverage. Why would I need a lawyer?
Because insurers don’t always pay automatically, even to their own policyholders. They may argue your injuries aren’t severe, that limits don’t apply, or delay the claim. We make sure it’s valued and paid fairly.
The at-fault driver's insurance only covers part of my bills. What now?
Your UIM coverage may pay the difference. You may also be able to pursue the driver personally or another responsible party. We’ll review every option before you settle.
Can I sue an uninsured driver?
Yes. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash, whether or not they have insurance. Whether it’s worth pursuing depends on the driver’s circumstances, and we’ll give you an honest assessment.
Could someone other than the driver be responsible?
Sometimes. A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer whose defect played a role, can be held liable in addition to the driver.
Will a UM claim raise my insurance rates?
California law generally prohibits insurers from raising your rates for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
How do I pay for a UM/UIM lawyer?
We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay anything until your case is resolved, and only if we recover compensation for you.
Get Your Free, Confidential Case Review, 24/7
UM/UIM notice requirements are short, and insurers don’t wait for you to catch up. Call now or send the form; we respond fast, 24/7, in English, Spanish, or Korean. Your consultation is free and confidential. No fee unless we win.
Call (408) 256-2871Free Case Review
Solution Now Law Firm
1253 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
Hablamos español · 한국어 상담 가능
