Maison Law helps people that have been injured in car accidents in California. A car accident typically means injuries and damage to your car, all of which is taken care of by insurance. To that end, California requires drivers to carry a minimum of auto insurance coverage. But a new law that went into effect on January 1, 2025 increases those minimums. So, if you’ve been hurt in a car accident, our team can guide you through the process and help you get better. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is SB 1107?
SB 1107, also known as the “Protect California Drivers Act,” is one of the newest laws pertaining to car accidents in California. When it was originally signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, it proposed that the car insurance minimums that had been in place be raised to the following:
- $30,000 per person
- $60,000 per bodily injury
- $15,000 per property damage
The reasoning is pretty simple: more car accidents mean more insurance payouts, so raising the minimum coverage threshold helps protect drivers in the event of an accident. But the question is, what do you need to do if you’re in a car accident? And what options do you have?
What Do You Need to Do After You’re In a Car Accident?
It’s a tough situation being in a car accident in California, but as SB 1107 shows, it’s all about protecting your health and potential claim. To do that, you’re going to need to take a few key steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911 – Your health is always the top priority. Check yourself and others in the car for injuries. If anyone is hurt or you’re unsure, call 911 for an ambulance and let the EMTs examine you when they get there.
- Report the accident – While you’re on the phone with 911, make sure the dispatcher also alerts the local police (usually the city police or California Highway Patrol), especially if there are injuries or major damage.
- Exchange information – Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. This will at least make filing an insurance claim a bit easier.
- Document the scene – Take pictures of the vehicles, damage, and anything important like signs, skid marks, or traffic signals nearby.
- Get medical care – Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and having medical records connects your injuries to the accident.
- Be careful with statements – Never admit fault or make statements that could hurt your claim. You should especially be careful when talking with insurance reps. Just stick to the facts of what happened and don’t go into detail.
- Save all documents and evidence – Keep everything related to the accident, like medical bills or repair estimates. Don’t fix or replace damaged items until they’re been documented.
Recovering after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if your injuries are serious. That’s where our team steps in–we’ll handle the details and make sure your claim is as strong as possible.
How Do You Recover Damages After a Car Accident?
SB 1107 gives you higher potential for a settlement after a car accident, but that doesn’t mean the process is easy. Every situation is different, but understanding the general steps can help you know what to expect and what kinds of financial support (“damages”) you might recover.
You typically have two options: filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Insurance claim – After the accident, you’ll file a claim with either your insurance company or the other party’s insurer. An adjuster will investigate the claim and decide how much to offer in a settlement–starting with the new minimums. Settling out of court is faster and less costly, but insurers often delay or offer lower settlements in the hopes you’ll take the money.
- Personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance settlement isn’t enough (which happens often), you can file a lawsuit and take the case to court. While this process takes more time and effort, it can lead to higher damages. Most of the legal work will be handled by our team, so you can focus on recovering.
The goal of filing a claim is to get financial support for the losses caused by the accident. These losses, known as “damages,” may include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care costs
- Lost income from missed work
- Repair or replacement costs for your car
- Costs relating to your physical pain and suffering, as well as your emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life costs for life changes
It’s important to know that California law sets a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline means you lose the chance to recover damages. So, it’s important to act quickly. Contact our car accident lawyers today to set up a free consultation to talk about your case and your options.
