Posted in General on December 6, 2019
Most people understand that it is important to have car insurance. Not only is it the law, but having insurance offers protection, especially if you are at fault in a car accident in California. Insurance is something that nobody wants to have to have, but that people understand is necessary. However, understanding the different types of insurance can be confusing. One type of insurance is liability insurance, something that is required by law for all drivers to have.
Understanding California’s insurance requirements
Each state sets its own requirements for insurance that drivers must maintain in order to remain legal on the roadway.
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person in an accident you cause
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person in an accident you cause
- $5,000 for damage to property in an accident you cause
The bodily liability coverage mentioned above ($15,000 and $30,000) helps pay for a person’s medical expenses if they are injured in an accident you cause. The property damage liability coverage ($5,000) helps compensate others for any property damage you may cause in an accident.
All of this is considered liability insurance because it covers you up to the minimum amounts if you are at-fault in an accident. These are just the required minimums, and drivers can purchase higher limits in order to better protect themselves in the event of a serious accident.
Will liability coverage pay for your property damage or injuries?
Liability coverage typically does not cover your property damage to your vehicle after an accident occurs. Damage to your vehicle will be covered if you purchase collision coverage through your insurer.
Liability coverage also will not cover the costs of your medical bills in the event you are injured in a car accident you cause. If you want to be covered for these expenses in an incident you are responsible for, then you will need to have medical payments coverage.
Expenses can add up after an accident
Car and truck accident expenses can be tremendous. While many crashes only cause property damage or minor injuries, even a quick hospital visit can lead to major costs. If you strike someone with your vehicle and they go to the hospital in an ambulance, receive an X-ray, and are sent home with a sprained wrist, the bill could still reach several thousand dollars. You want insurance to cover this so you do not have to pay out-of-pocket.
Now consider a more serious injury. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more can all lead to tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Without insurance, there is no way to afford another person’s medical bills from an accident you cause.
Having insurance is crucial. Doing so will keep you on the right side of the law and potentially prevent you from facing a personal injury lawsuit from any victims in the crash.
Car accidents are common in California
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) states that there were more than 273,000 injuries as a result of car accidents during the latest reporting year in the state. Most of these accidents were caused by driver error. While we hope you are never involved in a crash, there are times when mistakes are made. If you do cause a crash, having liability coverage offers you protection.