At-fault policy limits
The available liability limits help determine whether an underinsured issue exists.
Underinsured motorist claims
Underinsured Motorist Claims
When the at-fault driver has insurance but the available liability limits are not enough to cover the loss, underinsured motorist coverage may become relevant.
At-fault liability limit review
Your UIM policy and coverage analysis
Serious injury and damage documentation
Super Lawyers · Rising Stars
Rising Stars recognition · 2022–2027
Aric Williams was selected to the California Rising Stars list for each of these years.
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
- 2027
Selections to the California Rising Stars list for 2022–2027. Verify on Super Lawyers. Recognition does not guarantee results.
Attorney recognition
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Aric N. Williams
Liability Limit ReviewIdentify the at-fault driver’s available insurance limits.
UIM Policy AnalysisReview your own underinsured motorist coverage.
Damages DocumentationBuild a complete record of injuries and losses.
Settlement CoordinationConsider releases and policy requirements before resolving the liability claim.
Why it matters
Underinsured claims require coordination between two coverage layers.
The at-fault driver’s liability coverage is usually evaluated first. If those limits are insufficient, your own UIM coverage may become important, subject to policy terms and required procedures.
Request a Case Review →Your UIM coverage
Your declarations and policy terms may provide additional protection when the liability limits are insufficient.
Serious-damage record
The value of a UIM claim depends on documented injuries and other covered losses, not simply on the existence of coverage.
Settlement and release timing
Resolving the liability claim without considering UIM requirements can create avoidable problems.
Build a stronger case
Documents that help evaluate an underinsured claim.
Keep the at-fault policy information, your own UIM policy, crash evidence, medical documentation, settlement communications and any release documents together.
Collect evidence early
Preserve important records
Strengthen the record
At-fault liability limits
Preserve the carrier’s policy-limit information and settlement communications.
Your UIM declarations and policy
Keep documents showing underinsured motorist limits, conditions and relevant terms.
Crash and fault evidence
Photographs, reports and witnesses remain important because responsibility still matters.
Medical and treatment records
A complete treatment timeline helps document the seriousness and duration of injuries.
Loss documentation
Income records, bills and other evidence may help explain the claimed losses.
Offers, releases and notices
Keep settlement offers, proposed releases and communications with both insurers.
Practical guidance
What to do when liability limits may be too low.
Coordinate the liability claim and UIM claim carefully so important policy requirements are not overlooked.
1Identify the at-fault limits
Keep carrier communications and any confirmed policy-limit information.
2Locate your UIM policy
Review declarations and underinsured motorist provisions.
3Document the full damages picture
Keep medical records, bills and other loss evidence current.
4Review settlement steps first
Understand notice, consent or other policy requirements before signing a release.
Common concerns
Liability limits, UIM coverage and serious damages.
An underinsured claim only makes sense when the underlying damages and coverage picture are reviewed together.
Liability coverage
Understand the at-fault driver’s available limits.
- Policy-limit confirmation
- Multiple claimants
- Settlement offers
- Release language
- Other applicable policies
Your UIM coverage
Review your own policy obligations and limits.
- UIM limits
- Notice requirements
- Consent provisions
- Offsets or credits
- Covered people and vehicles
Damages documentation
Show why the liability limits may be insufficient.
- Medical treatment
- Future care issues
- Income loss
- Functional limitations
- Other covered losses
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions.
General information can help you prepare better questions. The facts of an individual claim still need to be reviewed separately.
Explore Rider Resources →What does underinsured mean?
It generally means the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but the available limits may not be enough to cover the loss.
Do I automatically receive my UIM limits?
No. Coverage limits are not automatic payments. Fault, damages and policy terms still need to be evaluated.
Should I accept the at-fault driver’s policy limits first?
Do not sign a release before considering any UIM notice, consent or other policy requirements that may apply.
Why is the medical record important?
The UIM claim depends on documented damages. Treatment, recovery and long-term effects help explain whether liability limits are insufficient.
Can my own insurer dispute the value of the claim?
Yes. A UIM carrier may evaluate fault, causation and damages even though it is your insurer.
Uninsured Motorist Claims
Learn More →Motorcycle Insurance Claims
Learn More →
Car Accidents
Learn More →Serious Injury Claims
Learn More →Talk with the office
Questions about an underinsured motorist claim?
Bring the at-fault policy information, your UIM coverage, settlement documents and medical record together before making major decisions.
General information only; not legal advice. Results depend on the facts and law applicable to each matter. Sending an inquiry does not establish an attorney-client relationship.