If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, chances are you are dealing with medical injuries and damage to your vehicle. This results in an immediate impact on your livelihood resulting in medical bills, lost wages, property loss, and in serious events, lifelong health care needs.
When you suffer injuries due to a motor vehicle accident, it’s important that you know your rights to pursue a claim for compensation for physical, emotional, and property damage. Liability has to be assigned for a successful suit. This is where Conger Law Injury Attorneys can help. Our dedicated representation brings outstanding results to our clients.
Permissive Use in California
California Vehicle Code section 17150 defines the permissive use principle. This means that if the driver found to be at fault for causing an accident was operating a vehicle with permission from its owner, the owner is liable for the accident.
All California residents are required to carry auto insurance. These insurance policies cover the vehicle and not the person. One rule of permissive use is that permission may be given directly or implied. The liability of the car owner is limited based on their policy. If your damages exceed the vehicle owner’s policy limits, the at-fault driver’s insurance may be considered.
Comparative Fault
California is a comparative fault state. This means that if you had any part of the fault in your car accident, the amount you can receive for your damages is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Even if the defendant caused your accident, the at-fault insurance might try to assign some of the blame to you to avoid paying their fair share. Don’t receive accusations from the defendant’s insurance without strong legal representation of your own.
California is a Fault State
There are a few states that are considered no-fault states. These states require that drivers must purchase additional personal injury protection insurance. In these states, those injured in a motor vehicle accident can only pursue compensation when their injuries are considered severe.
Being an at-fault state means no additional personal injury protection policy is required in California. Therefore, victims can always submit a claim to get the compensation they deserve for their physical and emotional damages and damage to their physical property.
Don’t Wait – Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today
There is no car accident too small; it is always in your best interest to report all accidents to law enforcement and your insurance. Police reports remain an important piece of evidence in determining fault in your accident. Liability is also proven by valid proof such as witness testimony, driver statements, pictures of the scene, and physical evidence.
You have two years from your accident to file a claim. Depending on the severity of your accident, your recovery may take weeks, months, or even years and can cost you thousands of dollars. At Conger Law Injury Attorneys, we treat our clients with professionalism and understanding to work towards the best outcome for you.
Call us today at 619-569-1919 or by completing the online form below.
