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You might think that having car insurance is enough to protect you after an accident—but what happens when the other driver has none?
Unfortunately, this is a common scenario on California roads. In fact, nearly 17% of drivers in California are uninsured, placing the state in the top ten nationwide for uninsured motorists. The risks are even higher in urban areas like Santa Barbara, where hit-and-run accident claims are on the rise.
That’s where insurance comes in. If you were injured by an uninsured driver—or someone who flees the scene—you could be left paying out-of-pocket unless you have taken steps to protect yourself in advance.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we help victims of car crashes, bike accidents, and pedestrian injuries recover compensation even when the at-fault party cannot pay.
What Is UM/UIM Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are optional auto insurance add-ons in California that provide financial compensation when the at-fault driver cannot, either because they have no insurance or too little to cover your damages.
UM Coverage Application
- You are hit by a driver with no insurance
- You are the victim of a hit-and-run accident
- You are injured as a pedestrian or cyclist by an uninsured driver
UIM Coverage Application
- The at-fault driver has some insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care needs
Why UM/UIM Insurance Is So Important
While California law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, enforcement is far from perfect. Many drivers on the road today are underinsured or not insured at all. In Santa Barbara and other cities, this problem is compounded by:
- High rates of hit-and-run crashes
- Transient or part-time residents who ignore insurance requirements
- Motorists driving without valid licenses or registration
If you were hit by one of these drivers, the minimum liability limits in California (currently $15,000 for injury to one person) likely would not come close to covering hospital stays, surgeries, or rehab, especially in catastrophic injury cases.
How UM/UIM Coverage Can Help in Real-World Scenarios
Example 1: Hit-and-Run While Cycling
You are riding your bike through downtown Santa Barbara when a driver runs a stop sign, clips your rear tire, and speeds off. You are left with a broken collarbone and a totaled bike. Since the driver fled and cannot be identified, your UIM insurance would cover your cyclist insurance coverage claim even though you were not in a car.
Example 2: Pedestrian Struck by Underinsured Driver
You’re walking through a marked crosswalk when a distracted driver strikes you. They are found at fault but only carry minimum coverage. Your medical bills exceed $50,000. With UIM insurance, you can make a pedestrian accident insurance claim against your own policy for the remaining costs.
Minimum vs. Recommended Coverage
While UM/UIM coverage is optional in California, insurers must offer it to you, and you must sign a waiver to decline it. Many drivers accept low limits without realizing how little protection they provide.
Current California Minimum UM/UIM Coverage
- $30,000 per person
- $60,000 per accident
Recommended Coverage
We recommend that clients carry as much coverage as you are worth because if your are responsible for a collisions, an injured persona can sue you personally if you do not have enough insurance to cover their claim for injuries and damages. The cost to upgrade is relatively low compared to the protection it provides.
How to Review and Increase Your Coverage
It only takes a few minutes to determine whether your current policy has enough UM/UIM insurance in California.
Locate Your Declarations Page
The declarations page lists all coverages, including UM/UIM limits. Look for a section labeled “Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury” or “UMBI.”
Compare Your Liability and UM/UIM Limits
Your UM/UIM limits can match but not exceed your bodily injury liability limits. If they do not, contact your insurer to ask about increasing them. This is typically inexpensive.
Ask About Stacked Coverage
If you have multiple vehicles insured on the same policy, stacking allows you to combine coverage amounts across cars for additional protection. Not all California policies allow this, but it is worth asking.
Review Annually
As your income and lifestyle change, your insurance coverage should evolve, too. Revisit your limits every year during your policy renewal.
What If You Have Already Been Injured?
If you have been hurt by an uninsured or underinsured motorist or have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should act quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Report the incident to the police and request a report number.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Notify your insurance company, but do not agree to any settlement or recorded statements before consulting an attorney.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and file a UM/UIM claim if appropriate.
UM/UIM claims can be complex. Insurance companies may dispute your injuries, deny coverage, or delay payment. At NordstrandBlack PC, we handle these claims every day and know how to deal with uncooperative insurers.
Why Legal Representation Matters
When it comes to underinsured driver liability, you will need legal help to:
- Investigate the accident and gather supporting evidence
- Navigate tricky deadlines (UM claims may have different statutes of limitation)
- Negotiate with your own insurer to secure full compensation
- Maximize your recovery for pain and suffering and future medical costs
Even if you are dealing with your own insurance provider, remember that their goal is still to minimize the amount to pay you. Having a knowledgeable Santa Barbara car accident attorney ensures your claim is handled fairly.
Protecting Yourself Before a Crash Happens
No one ever plans to be hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, but we can prepare for it. Reviewing your uninsured motorist coverage in California today could make the difference between a full recovery and a financial disaster tomorrow.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we believe that part of good legal representation includes helping our clients prevent problems before they happen. That’s why we always encourage proactive policy reviews and offer free consultations for anyone who is unsure about their current insurance coverage.
Speak With Our Trusted Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara
If you were injured by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver in Santa Barbara or anywhere on the Central Coast, don’t face the insurance companies alone.
At NordstrandBlack PC, our car accident attorneys have the experience and legal knowledge to guide you through every step of the UM/UIM insurance California claims process. Call us today at (805) 962-2022 to schedule a free consultation.