California Car Accidents

Car accidents in California are higher than the national average. The top three causes for car accidents and injuries are:

• Driver distraction or negligence;
• Driving under alcohol/drug effects;
• Defective vehicle parts

California hit-and-run violations are considered a felony and convictions can mean a sentence to a state prison or county jail for up to one year and fines up to $10,000 (or both).

If the hit-and-run car accident causes a death or permanent, serious injury, these convicted face up to four years in a state prison, up to a year in county jail or up to $10,000 fine - or imprisonment and fine.

Drivers with high performance cars trying to run a red light are frequent causes of accidents in CA.

In 2007, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the following:

1. 3,974 traffic fatalities in CA
2. 2,595 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in CA
3. 517 motorcyclist fatalities in CA
4. 1,464 speeding-related fatalities in CA

California Auto Insurance

All drivers must show their ability to pay for damages or injury to others resulting from the ownership or operation of a motor vehicle!

The minimum limits of insurance you have to cover are the following:

• $15,000 for death or bodily injury of any one person, any accident.
• $30,000 for all persons in any accident.
• $5,000 for property damage in any accident.

All California drivers and owners must have at least the statutory limits of minimum liability insurance or an approved alternative way to pay for injury or property damage they may cause.

Car Accident Lawsuits

If you are injured in a California car accident, you can bring a claim or lawsuit to recover the following:

• Expenses associated with medical costs and property damage.
• Lost wages and earning potential (Economic damages).
• Emotional and physical pain and suffering.

If you bring a claim or lawsuit against another driver for injuries sustained in an automobile accident, you must prove that the other driver was negligent.

Anyone involved in a California car accident who has suffered losses, damages, and injuries could be entitled to claim compensation if the accident was not their fault.

California Car Accident Lawyers

Proving fault in California can be difficult and it is advisable to seek advice from a California car accident lawyer if you believe that you have the right to make a claim.