Whether you are a newly-licensed driver or have been driving for years, the one common connection of everyone on the road is the need for auto insurance. There are choices of companies to choose from when purchasing car insurance, but what exactly are you paying for?
Every state has its own regulations as to what coverage is required, and determining your steps after a car accident can be overwhelming. Most purchase auto insurance as a requirement without much thought. If you are a victim of a car crash at the fault of another, whose insurance is liable? How do you go about collecting compensation? The professionals at The Kindley Firm, APC are here to answer all of your questions.
Minimum Auto Liability Coverage
The role of car insurance is to help cover the financial cost of major damage from a motor vehicle accident. After you pay your deductible, the balance of the cost is covered by the insurance policy. California sets financial responsibility laws that mandate drivers maintain an active policy with a minimum of 15/30/5 coverage. Coverage includes:
- Bodily injury coverage: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage: $5,000
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Uninsured property damage coverage: $3,500
What Does Insurance Typically Cover?
When a negligent driver injures you in a motor vehicle crash, their insurance should pay for your medical bills and any property damage. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the amount of coverage they opted for in their policy, this might not be enough to cover your expenses. Connecting with a personal injury attorney will ensure you receive fair compensation.
California is a fault state for vehicle insurance liability. This means that after an accident, the person who is at fault will need to have their policy cover damages for the injured parties. Simply, if you are injured you will have to file a claim with a stranger’s insurance plan, which in turn may downplay your injuries and attempt to minimize your compensation.
Comparative Negligence
In any personal injury case, fault needs to be determined. A legal representative with extensive experience in personal injury law can assist in determining the fault of another.
However, the accused may try to argue that not all of the fault lies in their hands. If they are able to argue that both parties are to blame, each auto insurance policy may have to share the responsibility. That means you’ll receive less compensation than you would have otherwise.
Secure Personal Injury Representation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, don’t lose out on the compensation you deserve by attempting to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. Policies can be complex, and the at-fault insurer does not have your best interest in mind.
Let the dedicated professionals at The Kindley Firm, APC fight for you. We have extensive experience in personal injury law in California. We pride ourselves in getting the compensation our victims deserve to help them on their road to recovery.
Connect with us today by calling 619-550-1313 for your free consultation, or complete the online form below.