What Should I Do If Someone Else Is Driving My Vehicle Causes an Accident in California?

One common California pastime is letting friends and relatives borrow one’s car. Accidents involving catastrophic injury motor vehicles, alas, often occur with very little advance warning. When you find out that the person you allowed borrow your automobile got into an accident, it may be a huge hassle and a major source of frustration. However, most car accidents usually lead to complicated legal issues that require attention. Finally, having someone else behind the wheel of your vehicle can further complicate an already difficult circumstance.

To put it simply, when you let someone borrow your automobile, they are also borrowing your insurance. Because your car insurance covers the car and not you, this is the case. If your friend borrows your car and you lend it to them, you are essentially exchanging auto insurance policies with each other.

In California, there is a “fault” system that must be understood.

A negligent motorist in California must pay for all of the losses caused by the crash. Even if their auto insurance policy covers some or all of the losses from an accident, the final tally sometimes much exceeds the coverage limit. When someone else uses your vehicle and gets into an accident, your car insurance coverage kicks in to help pay for the damages.

If you’ve been in a car accident in California, you know how difficult it can be to determine who was at blame. It is in your best interest to work with an expert attorney to not only accurately establish liability for the losses resulting from the vehicle accident, but also to maximise your recovery from any insurance claim or future personal injury claim. Your lawyer can assist you in compiling evidence such as cell phone data, traffic camera film, and statements from witnesses to the accident.

Things to Think About Before Buying Car Insurance In the Wake of a Mishap

Regardless of the cause of an auto collision, every motorist should be aware of a few basic legal considerations. First, you should never settle an insurance claim without first seeing a lawyer. If you accept a claim settlement, you forfeit your right to file a future claim for further damages arising from the same incident. Prematurely accepting a payoff could result in significantly less money than you are entitled to. After a car accident, you should always get advice from an attorney before talking to the insurance company.