Source: https://www.citywidelaw.com/california-car-accident-laws/
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 08:39:31+00:00

Document:
been injured in an accident.
California car accidents have the ability to inflict serious and life-changing injuries. If you have been involved in an accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. California’s car accident laws will impact any legal claims that you may decide to file. It is important to understand your obligations as a driver, how fault is determined, and what can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Once you have determined that you want to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is best to hire an attorney who has experience navigating California’s complex laws and procedures. Call the California car accident attorneys at Citywide Law Group today to request a free consultation.
Any car that is registered with the State of California must be covered by a showing of financial responsibility. Purchasing a car insurance policy is the simplest way to satisfy your legal requirements as the owner of a registered vehicle.
Failing to provide proof of financial responsibility can result in fines and possible revocation of your license if you are involved in an accident.
Your car insurance provider is legally required under California law (California Insurance Code §11580.2) to offer uninsured motorist bodily injury and underinsured motorist coverage. These insurance policies help to cover your injuries and property damage in the event that you are involved in a crash with a driver who does not valid insurance.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: Pays for the cost of damages sustained by you and any passengers in your car when you are injured by an uninsured driver. Compensation is limited to the amount of your own liability coverage.
Underinsured motorist coverage: When you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to pay for the full cost of your damages, this policy can help to make up the difference.
You are not legally required to purchase these policies. However, you must decline coverage in writing.
It is important to note that these policies will not satisfy the state’s 15/30/5 requirement. However, they will be extremely helpful if you are ever involved in a serious accident.
Surety bond of at least $35,000 issued by a company licensed to do business in the state.
If you are involved in an accident in California that results in property damage exceeding $1,000 and/or any personal injury, you are legally obligated to report the crash. California Vehicle Code §16000 requires that these accidents must be reported to the DMV by you, your attorney, or your insurance company within 10 days.
Explanation of injuries and damage.
Many car accidents in California are the result of drivers failing to yield properly when entering and exiting highways. Drivers in California must understand their obligations and duties to other vehicles on the road. California’s doctrine of preemption requires that anyone entering a highway yield to oncoming traffic and use appropriate caution.
Learn about your obligations as a driver at red and yellow light intersections.
California law limits the amount of time a car accident victim has to file a legal claim for damages. The specific amount of time that is permitted will depend on the type of damage suffered in an accident.
Property Damage: Victims who suffer property damage have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim (California Civil Code §338).
Bodily Injury: Victims who suffer a bodily injury have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim (California Civil Code §335.1).
Victims are not barred from recovering compensation if they contribute to an accident.
The law of comparative fault allows anyone injured in an accident to recover compensation as long as they are not entirely responsible for the injury-causing crash. This helps to ensure that all victims are able to recover at least a portion of the damages they sustain in an accident.
When more than one person is responsible for causing an accident, each will be held financially responsible to the degree of their own fault. (California Civil Code §1431.2) If an accident victim contributes to his or her own accident or injury, their ability to recover compensation will be reduced.
Bob and Sue are involved in a California car accident. Bob was texting while driving and did not see that Sue had rolled through a stop sign at an intersection. As a result of the accident, Bob and Sue both suffered $100,000 in damages. Bob and Sue are both responsible for a portion of damages. Each of these parties will be allocated a specific percentage of fault. Let’s say that Bob is 20 percent at-fault and Sue is 80 percent at-fault.
Bob will be liable for $20,000 of Sue’s damages (20 percent of $100,000). Sue will be liable for $80,000 of Bob’s damages (80 percent of $100,000).
California law specifically states that personal injury victims, including those involved in car accidents, have the right to request economic and non-economic damages.
Are convicted of a DUI (Vehicle Code §Sections 23152 or 23153).
Hiring an attorney to handle your California car accident lawsuit will help you maximize the amount of compensation you recover. At Citywide Law Group, our attorneys understand how important a financial award can be and will fight to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. We have 17 years of experience handling complex car accident cases, and have recovered millions in damages for our clients.
Our in-depth knowledge of California car accident laws and procedures, paired with our extensive hands-on experience litigating cases, allows us to provide unparalleled legal services to injured car accident victims. Call us today to find out how we can help you get the money you deserve after a car accident. We offer a free consultation, so do not hesitate to contact us.

References: in fine
 §11580
 §16000
 §338
 §335
 §1431