Car accidents can have significant financial, physical, and emotional repercussions. Normally, if you are a victim in a collision in California, you can seek compensation from the responsible driver’s insurance company and receive some consolation for your losses. However, if the driver does not have insurance, you may feel your options are limited. You should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s negligence.
A Los Angeles uninsured car accident lawyer may be able to help.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help you pursue justice and compensation. Call (844) 730-0233 to speak with a member of the team for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and determine if you have a case.
California Car Insurance Requirements
California requires all drivers and vehicle owners to be able to prove financial responsibility or valid insurance coverage for bodily harm and property damage liability. According to California Vehicle Code § 16020, “All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle.” Drivers typically carry a card with proof of insurance to comply with this law. Vehicle owners must be able to prove their financial responsibility or insurance coverage to register an automobile in California.
According to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), the following dollar amounts are the minimum required:
California Minimum Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
- $15,000 minimum for the death or injury of a person. This means your insurance provider will pay up $15,000 if you cause bodily harm in a car accident.
- $30,000 minimum coverage for the death or injury of multiple people. In this case, the money is distributed among the victims.
California Minimum Property Damage Liability (PDL)
- $5,000 for any non-bodily losses, including damage to a vehicle or other personal property, such as a home or business.
Car insurance requirements are designed to ensure victims receive some compensation if they are injured or their property is damaged in a collision. Driving uninsured or underinsured is illegal. Drivers who do not abide by the law can be fined, have their license suspended, or have their car impounded. Uninsured or underinsured drivers can also face the consequences of their actions in civil court. Victims can seek compensation from their insurance company as well. When you purchase insurance in California, you have the option to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This type of policy is meant to protect you and your passengers if you are in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Comparative Fault Rules
In California, there is an assumption that all parties involved in an accident may be partially to blame. If law enforcement responds to the incident, it is typically an officer’s duty to evaluate the percentage of fault each party is liable for. However, this is not always accurate or fair. You have a right to consult with an attorney. While pure comparative fault rules can cap the amount of compensation you are entitled to, they do not prevent you from pursuing more compensation from the other party.
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured car accidents lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (844) 730-0233
Legal Options for Uninsured Vehicle Collisions
Per Section 20008 of the California Vehicle Code, all accidents involving injuries or death must be reported. As the victim in an incident, it is crucial to partake in the reporting process. Not only is it imperative to abide by state law, but filing a report is also important to pursuing any insurance or civil claims. Showing you are invested in recovering from the incident can affect the amount of your claim. Depending on the circumstances, you can file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit. Personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the incident, according to California’s Code of Civil Procedures §335.1. Compensation for these claims may include:
- Emergency and long-term healthcare treatment bills
- Lost income or wages
- Cost to care for your financial dependents
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional pain and suffering
If your vehicle, home, business, or other property was damaged by an uninsured driver, you may need to repair or replace it. A property damage lawsuit may be able to help you recoup the following losses:
- Cost to repair a vehicle or building
- Cost to replace the car if it was totaled
- Cost to rent a car while yours is out of commission
- Personal property damaged or lost
- Car seat replacement
Los Angeles Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
California Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
Under statute of limitations California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, car accident victims must file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver in their accident within two years of the date of the accident. While not every case ends with a lawsuit, it might be your only option in getting compensation from an uninsured driver.
If you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you are generally barred from ever recovering compensation for your injuries. This is why it is important to reach out to us as soon as you can following your accident. We need all the time we can get to build your case.
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A Los Angeles Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Bringing the responsible party to justice is not easy, particularly if they do not have the financial resources to sufficiently compensate you. You may also have difficulty recouping your losses if your insurance policy does not cover the full extent of the damages. You do not have to navigate the complex legal process alone. A Los Angeles uninsured car accident lawyer can support you in your pursuit of justice. Some steps an attorney may take to help include:
- Gather evidence and build a strategy based on your case.
- Pursue justice via a settlement or representing you in a court of law, if necessary.
- Communicating with your insurance company on your behalf.
- Keeping in touch with you throughout the process to update you on the details of your case and address concerns or questions.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC
Whether commuting to school or work or venturing out on a family road trip, most Los Angeles motorists travel trouble-free. However, when accidents do occur, it can take a significant amount of money, time, and energy for victims to recover. If your bills are piling up as a result of being hit by an uninsured driver, the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help. Call (844) 730-0233 to speak with a member of our team today. The call is free, and we do not shy away from the tough cases.
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