California Car Accident Demand Letters
California has strict rules for car accident claims, covering everything from insurance requirements to legal deadlines. Drivers must follow these guidelines when seeking compensation after a crash. Understanding the process can help victims protect their rights and secure fair settlements.
Every driver in California must carry minimum insurance of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. Those without insurance face penalties under Proposition 213, which restricts their recovery to economic damages only.
The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means any compensation awarded is reduced by the claimant’s share of fault in the accident. For example, if a driver is found 20% at fault, their payout is cut by that percentage. Victims typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, with the clock starting on the accident date. Property damage claims allow three years, while wrongful death cases also have a two-year limit. Missing these deadlines usually means losing the right to sue. Sending a demand letter is a key step in the claims process. It should include details like the accident description, liability analysis, injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and a total demand amount. The letter must be sent via certified mail, email to the claims adjuster, or fax. Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity. Minor injuries may result in payouts between £3,000 and £20,000. Moderate injuries often settle for £40,000 to £300,000, while severe cases can reach £500,000 to £5,000,000. Victims can claim both economic damages (medical bills, lost income) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). Hiring a lawyer is advisable in complex cases. This includes situations with severe injuries, disputed liability, or if the insurer denies the claim or offers an unfairly low settlement.
California’s car accident laws set clear deadlines and requirements for compensation claims. Victims must act within the statute of limitations and follow proper procedures when submitting demand letters. Knowing these rules helps ensure a smoother path to recovering damages after a crash.
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