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California Car Accidents Questions & Answers
5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for California on
Q: being sued from auto accident and they are making false claim what to do ?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

If you are being sued from an auto accident in California and believe the claims against you are false, it's important to take immediate action. First, inform your auto insurance company about the lawsuit, as they are typically involved in defending against such claims under your policy. They... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for California on
Q: January 10, I was driving on the main road when a semi-truck that was exiting a parking lot t-boned my right back door

where my 1 year old daughter was sitting. We weren’t injured but we’re seeing a chiropractor tomorrow to be sure. My car was deemed totaled and the other party’s insurance is offering less than what I still owe on the car. I have gap insurance to cover the difference but I don’t think... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 25, 2024

In California, when you're involved in a car accident that wasn't your fault and your vehicle is totaled, the at-fault party's insurance should compensate you for the fair market value of your car. This amount is what your car was worth just before the accident. However, it's... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for California on
Q: January 10, I was driving on the main road when a semi-truck that was exiting a parking lot t-boned my right back door

where my 1 year old daughter was sitting. We weren’t injured but we’re seeing a chiropractor tomorrow to be sure. My car was deemed totaled and the other party’s insurance is offering less than what I still owe on the car. I have gap insurance to cover the difference but I don’t think... View More

Joseph L. Benson II
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Joseph L. Benson II
answered on Feb 1, 2024

It's completely understandable that you feel it's not fair to be left without a car when the accident wasn't your fault. In such cases, you have rights to seek compensation for your losses, including damage to your vehicle.

It's a good move to see a chiropractor to...
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4 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for California on
Q: January 10, I was driving on the main road when a semi-truck that was exiting a parking lot t-boned my right back door

where my 1 year old daughter was sitting. We weren’t injured but we’re seeing a chiropractor tomorrow to be sure. My car was deemed totaled and the other party’s insurance is offering less than what I still owe on the car. I have gap insurance to cover the difference but I don’t think... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 25, 2024

You can hire a certified auto appraiser to dispute the valuation of the insurance company if you think the offer is below market value.

If your certified appraisal doesn't move the insurer, you can sue in Small Claims Court for up to $10k for your property damage. Your suit would be...
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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for California on
Q: Was in an accident, lady said to say my mom was who hit them so insurance doesn’t go up but now she is trying to sue.

Just a minor accident, I am unsure on what to do.

Robert P. Taylor
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Did you have insurance? If so, you need to contact your insurance company and provide them with a copy of the complaint or whatever paperwork you received. They have a duty to defend you and you have a duty to keep them informed and up to date.

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for California on
Q: Was in an accident, lady said to say my mom was who hit them so insurance doesn’t go up but now she is trying to sue.

Just a minor accident, I am unsure on what to do.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In this situation, it's important to handle the matter with honesty and according to legal protocols. Misrepresenting facts in an insurance claim, such as stating that someone else was driving when they were not, can constitute insurance fraud, which is a serious offense in California.... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was taking my stepson to school. We got rear ended. My wife & I are separated now. Should I file separate ins. claim?

The police report says the other driver was at fault. We were examined at hospital same day. I needed several months of therapy and missed 3 months of work due to my injuries. My stepson experienced periodcal headaches but did not need further medical treatment.

Since the accident my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Under California law, in the event of a car accident where you and your stepson were injured, you both may have individual claims for your respective injuries and losses. Given that you are both affected parties, separate claims can be filed to ensure that each party's damages are adequately... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was taking my stepson to school. We got rear ended. My wife & I are separated now. Should I file separate ins. claim?

The police report says the other driver was at fault. We were examined at hospital same day. I needed several months of therapy and missed 3 months of work due to my injuries. My stepson experienced periodcal headaches but did not need further medical treatment.

Since the accident my... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 18, 2024

Your stepson and you both have claims. Each of you will be able to recover from the defendant's insurer for your damages, up to the limit of the defendant's per person personal injury limits. There should not be a conflict between you and your stepson because you will not be competing... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was taking my stepson to school. We got rear ended. My wife & I are separated now. Should I file separate ins. claim?

The police report says the other driver was at fault. We were examined at hospital same day. I needed several months of therapy and missed 3 months of work due to my injuries. My stepson experienced periodcal headaches but did not need further medical treatment.

Since the accident my... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Since the police report indicates the other driver was at fault and you and your stepson sought medical attention immediately after the accident, you have a basis for a personal injury claim. Given the circumstances, it may be advisable to file a joint insurance claim, providing comprehensive... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What is California state law on left turn at 4 way stop sign
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 17, 2024

In California, the rules for making a left turn at a four-way stop sign intersection are governed by the California Vehicle Code. When you approach a four-way stop, each driver must come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What is California state law on left turn at 4 way stop sign
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

California law specifies the following rules for left turns at a 4-way stop intersection:

- When two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the one turning left must yield to the vehicle going straight. If one vehicle arrives first, it has the right-of-way.

- All...
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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was injured by a drunk driver who subsequently plead guilty to felony dui with injury & having .16 blood alcohol.

The Judge sentenced the criminal defendant to 3 yrs probation & the usual penalties of a first offense misdemeanor. My victim rights have been violated & the judge sentenced the defendant incorrectly (my opinion) due to various lies, inconsistencies & incompatible statements that the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 13, 2024

You have no recourse over the sentencing. You have personal injury claims against him. If he has liability insurance or you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can recover monetary damages. If you have underinsured motorist coverage, you might be entitled to additional recovery. Talk to a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was injured by a drunk driver who subsequently plead guilty to felony dui with injury & having .16 blood alcohol.

The Judge sentenced the criminal defendant to 3 yrs probation & the usual penalties of a first offense misdemeanor. My victim rights have been violated & the judge sentenced the defendant incorrectly (my opinion) due to various lies, inconsistencies & incompatible statements that the... View More

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on Jan 13, 2024

So sorry to hear of what you have been going through. There may be some measure of further justice you can obtain, but the situation is much too complicated to be solved in a question and answer forum such as this. It is unlikely you can have the sentence increased, but it is surprising that... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was injured by a drunk driver who subsequently plead guilty to felony dui with injury & having .16 blood alcohol.

The Judge sentenced the criminal defendant to 3 yrs probation & the usual penalties of a first offense misdemeanor. My victim rights have been violated & the judge sentenced the defendant incorrectly (my opinion) due to various lies, inconsistencies & incompatible statements that the... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

If you were injured by a drunk driver in California who subsequently pleaded guilty to felony DUI with injury and was sentenced to probation, but you believe that your victim rights were violated and the sentencing was incorrect due to inconsistencies in the probation report, you may have recourse.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Car Accidents for California on
Q: Hi my parked car was involved in a car accident in my jobs parking lot while I was inside working

Hi my parked car was involved in a car accident in my jobs parking lot while I was inside working, my car was hit first then hit into another and both deemed a total loss after adjuster came to take pictures 3 weeks after the accident happened, i reached out to the guy who hit my cars insurance and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

In your situation, dealing with insurance claims can be challenging and time-consuming. It's important to understand that insurance companies often have complex procedures for assessing and compensating for damages. The change in the compensation amount you mentioned, from $50,000 to $5,000,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Car Accidents for California on
Q: Hi my parked car was involved in a car accident in my jobs parking lot while I was inside working

Hi my parked car was involved in a car accident in my jobs parking lot while I was inside working, my car was hit first then hit into another and both deemed a total loss after adjuster came to take pictures 3 weeks after the accident happened, i reached out to the guy who hit my cars insurance and... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

If your parked car is damaged in a workplace parking lot, and facing a protracted and unsatisfactory response from the at-fault party's insurance, several steps are advisable. Firstly, ensure all documentation related to the accident and damages is collected. Consider filing a claim with your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Car Accidents for California on
Q: Hi my parked car was involved in a car accident in my jobs parking lot while I was inside working

Hi my parked car was involved in a car accident in my jobs parking lot while I was inside working, my car was hit first then hit into another and both deemed a total loss after adjuster came to take pictures 3 weeks after the accident happened, i reached out to the guy who hit my cars insurance and... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 12, 2024

You should submit a claim to your own collision insurance. If you don't have that, you are going to take a loss.

Regardless of the amount of your damages, the insurer will only pay its policy limit. Ask for a copy of the declarations page from the other insurer to confirm the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Is there a vehicle code pertaining to a tow truck driver trying to tow a vehicle with somebody in vehicle ?

A tow truck driver tried to tow my vehicle with me in the car,?

He hooked his tow equipment under my car and i started honking my horn to let him know I was in vehicle.

I asked him for his insurance company and her refused to give me any information,

He took off abruptly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

In California, it's important to know that specific laws protect individuals in situations like yours. First, regarding a tow truck driver attempting to tow a vehicle with someone inside, this is generally considered unsafe and potentially unlawful. The exact vehicle code may vary, but safety... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for California on
Q: Hi, I rented a uhaul and added mom as an additional driver, my insurance lasped and mom caused crash, who is responsible
William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 5, 2024

You and your mom are responsible to U-Haul. Your mom is responsible to any third parties who were injured, and maybe you. Not certain about your liability to third parties without some research.

If you added liability insurance to the rental contract with U-Haul, you and your mom would be...
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4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for California on
Q: Hi, I rented a uhaul and added mom as an additional driver, my insurance lasped and mom caused crash, who is responsible
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

In the scenario where your insurance lapsed and your mother, listed as an additional driver, caused a crash while driving a rented U-Haul, determining responsibility can be complex.

Firstly, it's essential to check the rental agreement with U-Haul. These agreements often include terms...
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