This week’s question comes from Alex in San Bruno: “I want to buy a new car. What does ‘full insurance coverage’ mean?
Alex, thank you for your question. Buying automobile insurance unfortunately can be a time-consuming and confusing process. Minor traffic collisions are a financial drain and hassle. Major auto collisions can be financially and physically devastating. It’s vital that all drivers be fully insured. I am glad to help you understand what this means.
The first thing you need to do is to remember to stay at the scene and request medical help. Having a medical professional review your health at this point is vital, so you can prove the extent of your injuries and get the treatment you need. Remember to check on all drivers or passengers involved in the wreck; don’t move anyone from the vehicles unless there is a direct hazard that could lead to further injuries.
This week’s question comes from Zach L from the Castro: “I was recently hit by a car that ran a red light on Mission Street at the intersection of 19th St. I just bought the car that I was driving two days earlier and I had yet to purchase insurance. I broke my arm. The police found that the other guy was a fault and although I didn’t do anything wrong I’ve been told that I can’t recover for my pain and suffering because I didn’t have insurance on the car at the time that I was hit. Is this true? This doesn’t seem fair.”
Zach, I’m sorry to hear about your collision. Although you did nothing wrong to cause your injuries, I am sad to say that this may indeed be true.
This week’s question comes from T.J. in the Outer Sunset who asks: “I was recently hit by a car while I was parked in my car listening to music. My car was wrecked and my shoulder got hurt. I called my insurance company and they said that my policy had lapsed. I had moved a while back and my old roommate didn’t tell me that the bill had come in. I would have paid it had I known. I called a lawyer and he said that even though it wasn’t my fault I could get my car fixed, my hospital bills paid, my time off work paid but nothing for the pain that it cost. How can this happen? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
In 1996 the voters passed the “Personal Responsibility Act,” commonly known as Proposition 213 and codified in the California Civil Code at Sections 3333.3 & 3333.4.
The actions taken immediately after a car accident can make it easier or harder to bring a successful claim for financial recovery later on. But one of the most important actions you can take right now is to talk with a personal injury lawyer to be sure you understand your rights.
The personal injury attorneys at the Dolan Law Firm have helped thousands of people who suffered serious injuries in car crashes in the Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento area. When you need legal advice, call 415-636-8160 or contact us online.
