California follows an at fault insurance system, not a no fault system. This means that when a car accident happens, the driver who caused the crash and their insurance company are responsible for covering damages.
What Does At Fault Mean?
In California, the driver who is determined to be responsible for causing the accident must pay for injuries and property damage. Victims file claims against that driver’s insurance policy, and if the coverage does not fully cover the losses, they may be able to file a lawsuit to recover the remaining amount.
How This Differs from No Fault States
In no fault states, each driver turns to their own insurance for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Drivers in those states are usually required to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage. In many cases, lawsuits are only allowed if the injuries are very serious or meet certain legal thresholds.
California’s At Fault System and What It Means for You
- Fault must be proven with evidence such as police reports, photographs, or witness statements.
- Even if you share some of the blame, California’s comparative fault rule allows you to recover damages. Your compensation will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
- All drivers in California must carry minimum liability insurance, which includes fifteen thousand dollars for injury to one person, thirty thousand dollars for injury to multiple people in a single accident, and five thousand dollars for property damage.
Why This Matters
Understanding that California is an at fault state is important for every driver. Proving fault is essential to getting compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Insurance companies may dispute responsibility, which can complicate the process.
At Hillstone Law, we are experienced in handling fault based claims and helping accident victims secure fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, our team is here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, various public sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, we do not independently verify every detail, and some information may be outdated or subject to change. If you believe that any part of a post is inaccurate or subject to copyright, please contact Hillstone Law right away so we can review it and make any necessary corrections or remove the post.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and are not representative of any actual incident or individuals. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
