Insurance Law

Property damage claims pay for repairs and totals, but injury claims cover medical bills and lost wages.

Underinsured motorist coverage can help when the driver who hit you has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover the full cost of your injuries. It may pay for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering, but strict rules and deadlines can affect what you recover.

California car insurance minimums in 2026 set liability limits at 30/60/15, which can cap what an insurer will pay after a crash. These limits often fall short when medical bills, missed work, and repair costs rise quickly, especially if multiple people are injured. Liability coverage pays others when a driver causes a collision, so it does not automatically cover your own medical care or vehicle repairs.

Under California law, insurance companies must follow strict deadlines when responding to accident and injury claims. They have 15 days to acknowledge a claim and 40 days to accept or deny it after receiving proof of loss. If they delay or fail to provide written updates every 30 days, they may be violating state regulations. Understanding these timelines helps accident victims recognize unfair practices and take steps to protect their rights.

California Subrogation Law gives insurers the right to recover payments made after an accident, but it can also reduce your injury settlement if mishandled. The Friel Law Firm helps Stockton clients protect their compensation by challenging unfair liens and negotiating directly with insurers for a fair outcome.