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California Car Accident Laws

It is important to note that California has specific laws regarding car insurance requirements and reporting accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles. For example:

  • Under California law, drivers must carry liability insurance to cover damages and injuries they may cause in a car accident. The minimum liability insurance required by law is $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person and $5,000 for property damage.
  • In addition to liability insurance, California law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects in case the other driver is at fault and does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages and injuries.
  • California law also requires drivers to report accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Failure to report an accident can result in fines and penalties.
  • Drivers involved in an accident resulting in the above must also report the accident to the California Highway Patrol or local police department within 24 hours. Failure to report an accident can result in fines and other penalties.
  • If you are involved in a car accident in California, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Injuries may not be apparent right away, and delaying medical treatment can make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. You will need this proof to pursue a lawsuit with a car accident attorney in Monrovia.

Liability and Fault

California is a "fault" state regarding car accidents, which means that the person who is responsible for causing the accident is liable for any resulting damages. Liability is determined by each party's fault in the accident. If one driver is found to be entirely at fault, they will be responsible for all damages resulting from the accident.

However, who is at fault in an accident is not always clear. In some cases, both drivers may share some degree of responsibility. California follows the "pure comparative negligence" rule, which means that even if a person is partially at fault for an accident, they can still recover damages, but their percentage of fault will reduce the number of damages they can recover.

For example, if a driver is found to be 30% at fault for an accident and the total damages are $10,000, they can only recover $7,000. Insurance companies and lawyers may conduct investigations and look at evidence such as:

  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Damage to the vehicles
  • Accident reconstruction
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Mauro Fione Jr. with Fiore Legal Injury Attorneys on a cell phone sitting in his office

Statute of Limitations

California's statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is generally two years from the accident date. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident involved a government entity or public transportation, the time limit to file a claim is six months.

The statute of limitations may be tolled or extended in certain circumstances:

  • If the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations might be tolled until they reach the age of 18
  • If the injured person was incapacitated or unable to pursue legal action due to physical or mental disability

Car Insurance Laws

California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages and injuries they may cause to others in an accident. The minimum coverage amounts are:

  • $15,000 for injury/death to one person
  • $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
  • $5,000 for property damage

These minimums are often referred to as 15/30/5 coverage. Drivers can also choose to purchase additional coverage for greater protection. In addition to liability insurance, California law also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects drivers if they are hit by someone who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. Driving without insurance in California is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, and even impounding of the vehicle.

Car Accident Representation From a Real Trial Firm

Acting quickly after an injury occurs is essential. If you have been injured in California due to someone else's negligence:

  • Seek medical attention immediately following an accident
  • Document all medical expenses and lost wages
  • Record any other damages incurred due to the accident 
  • Get legal help as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim in California

Most lawyers want to settle your personal injury case quickly and will have you sign a release absolving the other side of any further liability. Fiore Legal is not your average law firm. Our car accident lawyers in Monrovia are a real trial firm looking at your issue from a different perspective than lawyers who will pressure you into settling, whether or not it’s your choice. Because we always have your best interests at heart, we would never settle a case unless for the total value. We’re here to represent you in your pursuit of justice, whatever that takes.

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Fiore Legal: Fighting for Monrovia Car Accident Victims

If you’re facing legal action after being involved in a car accident, you deserve a personal injury lawyer invested in your case, not just someone looking to make a quick buck from settling for less. You deserve Fiore Legal.

Our dedication to investing in our community has resulted in eight locations with over thirty team members providing extensive experience and empathy. With a tireless work ethic, we’ll fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after being involved in a car accident in Monrovia?

How does the comparative fault system impact car accident cases in California?

What role does an experienced car accident lawyer play in representing victims in Monrovia?

What documentation should I gather at the scene of a car accident to support my potential claim?

How does the location of the car accident impact the legal process and potential compensation?

What are the common challenges car accident victims face when dealing with insurance companies?

How does Fiore Legal prioritize client communication and involvement in car accident cases?

In what ways does Fiore Legal leverage its expertise to maximize compensation for car accident victims?

What should I do immediately after being involved in a car accident in Monrovia?

After a car accident in Monrovia, it's essential to seek medical attention for any injuries, report the accident to the local authorities, and gather information from the scene, including contact details of the parties involved and any witnesses.

How does the comparative fault system impact car accident cases in California?

In California, the comparative fault system is used to apportion compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident. Understanding this system is vital in assessing potential recovery.

What role does an experienced car accident lawyer play in representing victims in Monrovia?

An experienced car accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance in navigating the complexities of the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing your best interests in pursuing rightful compensation in Monrovia.

What documentation should I gather at the scene of a car accident to support my potential claim?

Collecting documentation such as photographs of the accident scene, contact information of witnesses, and any relevant police reports can significantly support your potential claim. This evidence can be crucial in establishing liability and the extent of damages incurred.

How does the location of the car accident impact the legal process and potential compensation?

The location of the car accident can impact the legal process and potential compensation based on local laws, regulations, and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you understand the implications of the accident's location on your case.

What are the common challenges car accident victims face when dealing with insurance companies?

Car accident victims often encounter challenges such as delayed or denied claims, undervalued settlements, and aggressive tactics from insurance companies. An experienced car accident lawyer can help navigate these challenges and advocate for fair treatment and compensation.

How does Fiore Legal prioritize client communication and involvement in car accident cases?

Fiore Legal prioritizes client communication and involvement by providing regular updates on case progress, seeking client input on important decisions, and maintaining open lines of communication to address any client concerns or questions throughout the legal process.

In what ways does Fiore Legal leverage its expertise to maximize compensation for car accident victims?

Fiore Legal leverages its expertise by conducting thorough investigations, building strong cases, and skillfully negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that car accident victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

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