Accident is defined as the collision of one vehicle into another vehicle, an immobile object, a passerby, or an animal. This type of accident can lead to property damage, serious physical harm, or even death. A motor vehicle accident can also carry legal consequences in certain situations.
If you’re involved in a vehicle accident, the general rule on torts states that you have a claim against the party at fault for all of the damages, injuries, and losses you’ve suffered. On the other hand, you’d need your insurance company to represent you or intervene on your behalf if you’re liable for the damages stemming from the accident.
To ensure that motorists can cover the cost of damage to other people or property in the wake of such accidents, most states require motor vehicle owners to carry some type of liability insurance.
What Are the Different Types of Car Insurance Coverage?
To safeguard all parties on the road, California requires all motorists to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:
- Property damage liability coverage (minimum of $5,000)
- Bodily injury liability coverage (minimum of $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident)
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (minimum of $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident)
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage (minimum of $3,500)
Aside from the minimum, other types of car insurance coverage are also available:
- At-fault Insurance Coverage – This allows you to request for full compensation (economic and non-economic) against the liable party, provided that you have evidence that they caused the accident.
- No-fault Insurance Coverage – Your own car insurer will pay some or all of your medical bills and reimburse your lost earnings, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. A no-fault claim is typically made via the “personal injury protection (PIP)” provisions found in a car insurance policy.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) – If the insurance of the at-fault party cannot cover all of the damages and losses you’ve sustained from the accident, your UIM can give you increased security.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) – This type of coverage only applies if the insurance policy of the other party is either non-existent or expired.
Seek Legal Help From Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Following the accident, you will definitely get a call from the insurance company of the party at fault. Remember not to talk to the insurance company as their goal is to negotiate with you so that they won’t have to settle the full cost of the insured’s mistakes.
From the outset, they will be looking for faults on your end to either mitigate your claim or nullify your compensation due to some technicality. To obtain just recompense for all the injuries, damages, and losses you’ve suffered, it’s best to contact an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer, such as Los-Angeles based Mesriani Law Group. Their highly experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will fight tooth and nail to ensure that you’re justly compensated for all of your losses.
