Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in Thousand Oaks & Westlake Village

Name: Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists
Brand: The Swanson Law Group
Rating: 4.9 (72 reviews)

In California, a significant number of drivers—estimated at roughly 1 in 6—operate vehicles without any auto insurance, placing the state among those with the highest rates of uninsured motorists. Despite legal requirements mandating liability coverage, many drivers either lack insurance or carry only the minimum limits, often falling short in serious accidents. For residents of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, being injured in a collision involving an uninsured or underinsured driver can make the path to fair compensation far more complex.

California Auto Insurance and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Under California law, insurance companies must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to policyholders, though purchasing it is optional (California Insurance Code § 11580.2).

This type of coverage can be crucial if you're involved in a crash caused by a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your damages.

While California mandates that all drivers carry liability insurance, the minimum required limits are relatively low, currently set at:

$15,000 for injury or death to one person
$30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
$5,000 for property damage (California Vehicle Code § 16056)

These amounts may not cover the full extent of losses in a serious accident.

Adding UM/UIM coverage to your policy helps protect you financially when the at-fault driver cannot. For drivers in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and across California, carrying this additional protection can make a meaningful difference in securing the compensation you deserve after a collision.

What If Insurance Isn’t Enough?

In the aftermath of a serious crash, California’s minimum liability coverage—just $15,000 for injury to one person—often falls dramatically short. A single day in the hospital can exceed that amount, leaving victims with overwhelming medical bills, especially if they lack health insurance. This is where strategic legal advocacy becomes essential.

At our firm, we leave no stone unturned. We assess every possible source of recovery—from your own UM/UIM policy to the at-fault driver’s personal assets or any additional coverage they may have through employers or family members.

We also scrutinize your insurance records: did your insurer properly offer UM/UIM coverage? If they cannot produce a signed waiver, we may have grounds to pursue compensation directly from them.

Our mission is to help you recover fully—physically, financially, and emotionally.

What Can You Recover After an Uninsured Motorist Crash?

Depending on your injuries and the terms of your policy, compensation may include:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost income and diminished future earnings
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Permanent injuries or disfigurement
Loss of companionship or quality of life

In some cases, other resources—like household insurance policies or assets held by the at-fault party—may help supplement your recovery. The California Department of Insurance explains that UM/UIM coverage is intended to provide “similar protection” to what a driver would receive if the other motorist had sufficient insurance (CDI Guide to Auto Insurance).

What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

If you’ve been seriously injured in a crash caused by a driver who has no insurance—or only carries the bare minimum liability coverage—you may quickly find that their policy won’t come close to covering your medical bills, lost income, or other damages. In these situations, getting experienced legal representation is critical.

At The Swanson Law Group, we launch an aggressive, detailed investigation into every possible recovery path—from your uninsured motorist coverage to the at-fault party’s assets or other applicable insurance policies. Our relentless commitment to justice has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients across California, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and beyond.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

If you’ve been injured, we invite you to reach out for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. At The Swanson Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we win your case.

Most importantly, we’re here to help you regain control of your life. From connecting you with trusted medical care to offering financial guidance and emotional support, our team is committed to walking with you every step of the way. When life feels chaotic, we bring clarity, strength, and direction. Let us be your advocates on the road to healing. Contact us today.