Uninsured Motorists
Uninsured Motorists in Los Angeles
The law in California requires all drivers take financial responsibility to cover damages and injuries that may be caused in an accident. Different ways this obligation can be fulfilled are:
- Purchase liability coverage that meets the minimum standards
- Make a $35,000 dollar deposit to the California Department Motor Vehicles
- Acquire a Certificate of Self-Insurance from the DMV
- Attain a surety bond from any California based business
If you are involved in an accident it is important to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney for compensation.
Legal and Civil Penalties for Driving Without Coverage
In general, if you are pulled over for a traffic violation in California, you are required to show proof of insurance. Getting caught driving without coverage will cost fines and points off your driver’s license. Your license can also be suspended and your vehicle may be impounded until proving insurance coverage.
An uninsured motorist is responsible for all the damages they cause. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will cover the costs from the accident.
Proving Negligence in an Automobile Accident
The elements of proving negligence in a car crash:
- You must provide that the driver did not operate their vehicle with a “duty of care.” This means the driver wasn’t driving carefully.
- Display that there was a breach of duty. The driver was not driving “with reasonable care.” In other words, this person wasn’t driving the same way as everyone else.
- Exhibit that the driver was the proximate cause for the accident and the damages you incurred.
California’s System of Comparative Negligence
California follows the pure comparative negligence rule. This is the allocation of damages when both parties are found to have some fault in an accident. A jury will apportion fault, dividing a percentage that each person is responsible for paying in compensation for losses.
Seeking Legal Representation in Los Angeles
Sometimes insurance companies will offer a low settlement and aren’t willing to explain why. Insurance companies are expected to act in good faith, but this isn’t always the case. If you feel that your adjuster isn’t acting in your best interests, then it may be time to seek advice from a personal injury attorney.
Letting an experienced personal injury attorney handle your claim will help protect your rights and recover your losses. At YMPK, our experienced Los Angeles car crash attorneys can review your claim and determine the best legal strategy for your case. Contact us for a free appointment today.
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