Understanding state car accident laws helps prevent mistakes that cost you your right to compensation. It is always in your best interest to hire an LA car accident lawyer to ensure that you are adhering to local laws and operating with best practices while you file your claim.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
This is the deadline by which you have to file your claim. It is extremely important to file your claim before this lapses so you can seek damages. In California, victims have two years from the date of the accident to seek personal injury claims. They have three years for property damage claims. There are rarely exceptions to this rule.
FAULT-BASED CAR INSURANCE
All California drivers must have vehicle insurance. This includes bodily injury coverage of at least $15,000 per person and property damage liability of $5,000. After an accident, the victim can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover damages. However, the victim may be entitled to file a legal claim instead of an insurance claim.
Contact a car accident lawyer to find out if this is the case in your lawsuit.
LIABILITY LAWS
California is a comparative negligence state. This means that victims can file lawsuits for damages even if they are partially responsible for the accident. The comparative negligence laws will reduce their compensation by their fault. For example, a person may be found to be 40% at fault for an accident. They could then only collect 60% of the awarded damages.
Don’t let your claim expire while you wait for the right time to go to court. Hire an expert car accident lawyer to assist you in preparing your case for trial and getting you the maximum compensation.