Uninsured Motorist Attorney Los Angeles
Uninsured Motorist Attorney Los Angeles - Trembach Law Firm, California attorneys. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
Legal Services
Uninsured Motorist Attorney Los Angeles - Trembach Law Firm, California attorneys. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in California?
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver's liability limits are too low to cover your full damages. In California, insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, though you can reject it in writing. Both coverages protect you and your passengers from financial loss caused by irresponsible drivers.
- Does California require uninsured motorist coverage?
- California does not require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, but insurers are legally required to offer it to every policyholder. You must sign a written waiver to decline it. California only mandates minimum liability coverage of $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. Given the high percentage of uninsured drivers in the state, our Los Angeles attorneys strongly recommend carrying UM/UIM coverage.
- What percentage of California drivers are uninsured?
- Approximately 15% of California drivers—roughly 1 in 7—operate vehicles without any insurance. Los Angeles County has an even higher rate in certain neighborhoods. California consistently ranks among the top states for uninsured motorists. This means every time you drive on LA freeways or city streets, there is a significant chance the driver who hits you carries no insurance whatsoever.
- How do I file an uninsured motorist claim with my own insurance company?
- To file a UM claim, notify your insurance company promptly after the accident and provide the police report documenting the other driver's lack of insurance. Your insurer will assign an adjuster who investigates the claim. Important: your own insurer is not on your side in UM claims—they are the ones paying, so they have every incentive to minimize your payout. Having an experienced UM attorney in Los Angeles levels the playing field.
- Can I sue my own insurance company for a UM/UIM claim?
- Yes. If your insurance company denies your UM/UIM claim or offers an unreasonably low settlement, you can pursue legal action. California UM claims typically go through binding arbitration rather than a jury trial, but you still have the right to legal representation. If your insurer acts in bad faith—unreasonably delaying, denying without investigation, or misrepresenting policy terms—you may also pursue a bad faith insurance lawsuit for additional damages.
- Can I stack my uninsured motorist coverage in California?
- California generally does not allow stacking of UM/UIM coverage across multiple vehicles on the same policy. However, if you have separate policies from different insurers—for example, coverage on your personal vehicle and a separate policy on another vehicle—stacking may be possible. Our Los Angeles UM attorneys review all your applicable policies to identify every source of available coverage and maximize your recovery.
- What is bad faith insurance denial in a UM/UIM claim?
- Bad faith occurs when your insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays your valid UM/UIM claim. Examples include failing to investigate your claim, misrepresenting policy provisions, refusing to pay a clearly valid claim, and making lowball offers without justification. Under California law, you can recover not only the policy benefits owed but also consequential damages, emotional distress, and potentially punitive damages for insurer bad faith.
- What is the difference between MedPay and uninsured motorist coverage?
- Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage pays your medical bills regardless of fault, up to your policy limit, typically $1,000 to $25,000. It does not cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is much broader—it covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other damages you would recover from the at-fault driver if they had insurance. You can use both MedPay and UM coverage on the same claim.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
Schedule a Free Consultation | View All Practice Areas | Attorney Profile