Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver is frustrating—you did nothing wrong, yet the at-fault driver can't pay. Raffi Naljian helps clients understand and maximize their uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. These claims are against your own insurance company, which can create unique challenges. This guide explains how UM/UIM claims work and when you might need legal assistance.
Hit by an uninsured driver?
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileUM/UIM claims involve negotiating with your own insurance company, which may be more adversarial than you expect. Raffi Naljian handles these claims throughout California and understands the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts on their own policies. When looking for an uninsured motorist lawyer, find someone experienced with these specific coverage disputes. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
Topic preparation notes
These notes explain what the issue may involve, which documents make the first review stronger, and when a direct consultation may be more useful than further browsing.
A concern about Uninsured Motorist Claims: Getting Help When the Other Driver Has No Insurance often means someone is trying to connect a specific worry to a real attorney profile. Organize the facts before a consultation without assuming any particular outcome.
For deadline topics, the first review should include the incident date, defendant type, public-entity involvement, and any claim notices already received.
Your own insurer giving you trouble?
Confirm UM/UIM coverage and limits
Notify your insurer of the UM/UIM claim
Your insurer investigates the claim
Present your claim to your own insurer
If needed, proceed to binding arbitration or court
UM (uninsured motorist) covers you when the at-fault driver has no insurance. UIM (underinsured motorist) covers the gap when their insurance isn't enough to cover your damages.
Your insurer has financial incentives to pay less. UM/UIM claims often involve disputes over injury severity and value. Having an advocate can help level the playing field.
California law prohibits insurers from raising rates solely because you filed a UM claim for an accident that wasn't your fault. However, check your specific policy terms.
Your options are more limited. You could pursue the at-fault driver personally, but collecting from an uninsured individual is often difficult. This is why UM/UIM coverage is so important.
California generally allows stacking of UM/UIM coverage if you have multiple vehicles on your policy, potentially increasing available coverage. Review your policy or ask your attorney.
Yes. Your policy likely has specific deadlines for notice and arbitration demands. California's statute of limitations also applies. Review your policy carefully or consult an attorney.
You pay for UM/UIM coverage. Make sure you get what you're owed.
Speak with Raffi Naljian about your case
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