Accidents happen, and it is essential to have insurance coverage when they do. Car insurance helps protect accident victims injured in collisions through no fault of their own so they can recover compensation for their injuries. In the United States, monetary compensation is the legal recourse that is available to injury victims. Like most modernized countries, we no longer believe in an “eye for eye” type of justice!
Insurance protects drivers who may cause an accident, ensuring their personal assets are largely safe, even if they are at fault. Let’s be honest, any of us can make a driving mistake – that is why we pay for insurance!
Until recently, California had low minimum required insurance coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per occurrence for car accidents, leaving many drivers underinsured. Think about it – the average ER visit alone often exceeds $5,000 and an ambulance ride costs approximately $2,500. Minimum insurance coverage is simply insufficient in today’s world with today’s prices and costs of medical care.
Fortunately, Senator Dodd’s new bill, signed into law last year, will significantly increase car insurance coverage when it goes into effect in 2025. The new limits will be $30,000 per person and $60,000 per occurrence. While this new amount is still insufficient, it is certainly a step in the right direction.
Of course, you may (and should) purchase as much insurance and Uninsured/Underinsured coverage that you can reasonably afford.
If you have been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at Jassim Law. We have a proven track record of successfully protecting our client’s rights and interests in California and are ready to fight for you. Our San Diego car accident attorneys are committed to fighting aggressively for the maximum compensation on your behalf so you can secure the resources you need to heal and recover.
We are also committed to making our communities, roads, and highways safer by educating the public, and holding those that needlessly endanger others accountable for the harms they cause.
How Will Senate Bill 1107 Protect Car Accident Victims in California?
California’s minimum liability rates are among the lowest in the country and have not been updated in 55 years. Since then, medical treatment, lost income, motor vehicle repairs, and other accident-related costs have risen exponentially. Just ask, how much was rent in 1968? How much was a gallon of gas, or bottle of milk in 1968? Now you can see why the minimum insurance coverage limits need to be increased…
Simply put, many motorists’ liability coverage would not cover the full extent of the victim’s damages in the event of a car accident if they only purchased the minimum coverage of $15,000/$30,000. However, under SB 1107, insurance minimums will increase, offering California drivers more protection and peace of mind, and injury victims more compensation for the losses they’ve suffered. The updated minimum liability coverage, which goes into effect in 2025, is as follows:
- Liability coverage for a single injury or death will rise from $15,000 to $30,000
- Liability coverage per accident will increase from $30,000 to $60,000
- Liability coverage for property damage will rise from $5,000 to $15,000
This modernized law is supported by the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), with president Craig Peters noting:
“Over the last half-century, the cost of medical care and vehicular repairs has skyrocketed, leaving too many motorists underinsured and unprepared to cover the cost of being a victim of a negligent driver. Auto insurers cannot continue to offer products that cover this century’s drivers based on last century’s standards.”
Under California’s current insurance minimums, many accident victims may not receive enough compensation to cover their hospital bills or vehicle repairs. This lack of coverage is especially damaging for low-income individuals and seniors who often cannot cover these costs themselves. The new law will make it easier for accident victims to recover compensation for the full extent of their injuries and other losses.
Ways an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
While SB 1107 does not go into effect until 2025, an experienced car accident attorney in San Diego may be able to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and other losses if you have been injured in a collision. Some of the many ways our experienced attorneys at Jassim Law can help you include the following:
- Thoroughly investigating every detail of your case
- Determining if the at fault driver was employed and on the job at the time of accident
- Determining if additional factors contributed to the collision, for example a poorly designed or dangerous road condition
- Determining if the at-fault driver was working for Uber, Lyft, Amazon, Doordash, GrubHub, Instacart, or another app based delivery/transportation company
- Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
- Proving the at-fault driving was on the job, or an employee
- Collecting evidence to support your claim
- Supporting you through every step of the complex claims process
A car accident lawyer in San Diego recognizes that no two auto accidents are exactly alike and will tailor their approach to your needs as they fight aggressively on your behalf.
Retain the Services of a Knowledgeable San Diego Car Accident Lawyer at Jassim Law
The dedicated attorneys at Jassim Law are committed to helping car accident victims in California hold negligent parties fully accountable for the harm they have caused. Our attorneys, Pajman and Parisima Jassim, have a proven track record of successfully recovering millions in damages for their clients and have the experience and skills necessary to fight for you. Attorney Jassim has dedicated his career to protecting the safety of California neighborhoods as he pursues justice for his clients. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (858) 524-6140 or complete our contact form today. Our car accident lawyers in San Diego are here to protect your rights.