{"id":1850,"date":"2026-10-24T05:36:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T05:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-crash-at-fault-driver-insurance-limits-california\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T05:36:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T05:36:13","slug":"fatal-crash-at-fault-driver-insurance-limits-california","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-crash-at-fault-driver-insurance-limits-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer: At-Fault Insurance Limits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"An investigator in a high-visibility vest places a numbered marker by a guardrail on a closed two-lane road at dawn.\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-24.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Wrongful Death | Bakersfield and Kern County<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">When an At-Fault Driver&#x27;s Insurance May Not Cover Your Family&#x27;s Loss<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Colvin Accident Lawyers represents families after a fatal crash in Bakersfield, Kern County and nearby communities. Learn how at-fault insurance limits can shape your options, then talk with us in a free, confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Donald Norman Colvin \u00b7 Published October 24, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>If someone you love died in a crash caused by another driver, the at-fault driver&#8217;s liability insurance is usually the first place a claim starts. California sets minimum limits for that insurance; those figures are insurance floors required by statute, not estimates of what any claim is worth. This page explains how the at-fault driver insurance limit works in a fatal crash in California, what happens when coverage is small or missing, how fault affects a claim, and which deadlines apply.<\/p>\n<h2>What an At-Fault Driver&#8217;s Policy Can Pay in a Fatal Crash<\/h2>\n<p>The at-fault driver&#8217;s liability policy is the first source of payment a family can look to, up to the policy limit.<\/p>\n<p>Two kinds of claims may apply after a death:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wrongful death.<\/strong> Under California <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.60.\">Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60<\/a>, the decedent&#8217;s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children are among the people who may bring this claim, or the decedent&#8217;s personal representative may bring it on their behalf. Stepchildren, parents, and certain others who were dependent on the decedent may also qualify.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Survival action.<\/strong> This claim carries the losses the decedent suffered before death. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.34.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 377.34<\/a>, those damages do not include pain, suffering, or disfigurement, except in actions granted a preference before January 1, 2022, or filed on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This page is for families whose driver carried little coverage, a driver who had no insurance, or relatives who want to understand their own coverage.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone you love died in a crash and you don&#x27;t know the at-fault driver&#x27;s limit yet, we&#x27;re here to talk through your options with you. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-investigator-examines-evidence-on-a-city-street-a-photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"A forensic investigator examines evidence on a city street at night.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>California&#8217;s Required Minimum Liability Limits<\/h2>\n<p>Policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 must meet at least $30,000 for one person, $60,000 for two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/handbook\/california-driver-handbook\/financial-responsibility-insurance-requirements-and-collisions\/\">California DMV handbook<\/a>). This applies to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=16056.\">Vehicle Code \u00a7 16056<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Each number works a little differently:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Per person:<\/strong> $30,000 is the required minimum for one person&#8217;s injury or death in one accident.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Per accident:<\/strong> for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, $60,000 is the required minimum for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Property:<\/strong> for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, a limit of not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) applies because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=16056.\">Cal. Veh. Code \u00a7 16056<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=16056.\">Cal. Veh. Code \u00a7 16056<\/a>, a policy or bond issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, must provide liability coverage, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, not less than $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and not less than $15,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=16056.\">Cal. Veh. Code \u00a7 16056<\/a> reads: &#8220;(b) A policy or bond shall not be effective under Section 16054 with respect to any vehicle that was not registered in this state or was a vehicle that was registered elsewhere than in this state at the effective date of the policy or bond or the most recent renewal thereof, unless the insurance company or surety company issuing the policy or bond is admitted to do business in this state, or if the company is not admitted to do business in this state, unless it executes a power of attorney authorizing the department to accept service on its behalf of notice or process in any action upon the policy or bond arising out of an accident mentioned in subdivision (a).&#8221; Minimum limits are a legal floor, not a measure of a family&#8217;s losses. A fatal crash can cause losses well above them, so families need to know the limit early.<\/p>\n<h2>When the At-Fault Driver&#8217;s Limit Falls Short<\/h2>\n<p>If the at-fault driver&#8217;s limit is smaller than a family&#8217;s losses, the gap becomes the central question. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">California Civil Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a> addresses several liability for non-economic damages in actions for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death based on comparative fault: <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civil Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Economic losses<\/strong> are &#8220;objectively verifiable monetary losses,&#8221; such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, and burial costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-economic losses<\/strong> are &#8220;subjective, non-monetary losses,&#8221; such as pain, emotional distress, and loss of society and companionship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Funeral bills fall in the economic group. The loss of a loved one&#8217;s companionship falls in the non-economic group.<\/p>\n<p>Before a limit is known, families can ask the insurer for the at-fault driver&#8217;s limits in writing. They can also request the declarations page, which lists the coverage on a policy. Checking whether another policy may apply to the driver or the vehicle&#8217;s owner is also a useful early step.<\/p>\n<h2>Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage After a Fatal Crash<\/h2>\n<p>When the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little, the family&#8217;s own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may respond. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&amp;sectionNum=11580.2.\">Insurance Code \u00a7 11580.2<\/a>, a bodily injury policy must include UM coverage for the insured and the insured&#8217;s heirs or legal representatives, although the insurer and any named insured may, by agreement in writing, delete the coverage completely or delete it when a motor vehicle is operated by a natural person or persons designated by name. That coverage applies, within the limits established by law, to sums they are legally entitled to recover for bodily injury, including death, from the owner or operator of an uninsured motor vehicle not owned or operated by the insured or a resident of the same household.<\/p>\n<p>The same statute covers underinsured motorists (UIM). An uninsured motor vehicle includes an underinsured one. The insurer and the named insured may agree in writing to lower UM coverage, but not below the state&#8217;s financial responsibility limits.<\/p>\n<p>Two points matter here:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The terms need careful review.<\/li>\n<li>Collecting from that person depends on what they own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Fault Shares Affect Recovery in California<\/h2>\n<p>A 50\/50 split means each driver carries half the fault (<a href=\"https:\/\/static.case.law\/cal-3d\/20\/html\/0725-01.html\">California fault rule in Li v. Yellow Cab<\/a> Co.).<\/p>\n<p>Where more than one defendant is liable for non-economic damages, each pays only the share allocated to it in direct proportion to its percentage of fault. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civil Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a> sets that several-only rule.<\/p>\n<p>Fault can be disputed from the start. The police report, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene all help show how the crash happened.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Expect: Steps and Timeline<\/h2>\n<p>A fatal crash claim generally moves through four steps, from records to a demand and, if needed, a lawsuit.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Notify the insurer and gather records.<\/strong> Collect the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chp.ca.gov\/traffic\/request-a-crash-report\/\">police report<\/a>, medical or coroner records, and funeral bills. For reporting an injury accident and documenting injuries and related expenses, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/105-type\/95-guides\/01-auto\/hadaccident.cfm\">So You&#8217;ve Had an Accident<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Request the policy limits in writing.<\/strong> Ask the at-fault driver&#8217;s insurer for its limits, and check the family&#8217;s own policies for UM or UIM coverage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build the damages record.<\/strong> Document the decedent&#8217;s wages and financial support, plus the family&#8217;s losses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Present a demand and negotiate.<\/strong> If the insurer does not offer fair value within the limits, a lawsuit may be filed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In California, a claim for death caused by another&#8217;s wrongful act generally must be brought within two years, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 335.1<\/a>. If a public entity such as a city or county may be responsible, a claim relating to a cause of action for death, injury to person, or injury to personal property or growing crops must be presented as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 915) not later than six months after the accrual of the cause of action; a claim relating to any other cause of action must be presented not later than one year after its accrual, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=911.2.\">Government Code \u00a7 911.2<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Who We Represent and Where We Work<\/h2>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California. The firm handles accident and injury cases, including car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, and wrongful death matters.<\/p>\n<p>Donald Norman Colvin is the responsible lawyer for this page. Our team includes assistants and office staff.<\/p>\n<p>The firm is based in Bakersfield and represents accident victims and families in Kern County, Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the minimum car insurance in California after a fatal crash?<\/summary><p>For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the minimums are $30,000 per person, $60,000 for two or more persons in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage. The $30,000 per-person limit applies where one person is injured or killed.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?<\/summary><p>The family&#8217;s own uninsured motorist coverage may respond under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&amp;sectionNum=11580.2.\">Insurance Code \u00a7 11580.2<\/a>. The driver may still be personally liable (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/handbook\/california-driver-handbook\/financial-responsibility-insurance-requirements-and-collisions\/\">DMV handbook on financial responsibility<\/a>).<\/p><\/details><h3>Fault Splits and Recovery<\/h3><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do I have to file?<\/summary><p>Within two years, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code of Civil Procedure \u00a7 335.1<\/a>, an action for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. A claim against a public entity may need to be presented within six months.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/aerial-view-of-an-asphalt-road-with-yellow-lane-markings-in-photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of an asphalt road with yellow lane markings in daytime.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With Colvin Accident Lawyers About Your Family&#8217;s Loss<\/h2>\n<p>If someone you love died in a crash and you don&#8217;t know the at-fault driver&#8217;s limit yet, we&#8217;re here to talk through your options with you. Our free first consultation is confidential, with no obligation to continue. <a href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a> to start that conversation.<\/p>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers, Bakersfield, California &#8212; responsible for this site.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How we approach wrongful death cases with limited insurance<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review the coverage<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look at the at-fault party&#x27;s policy information and the other insurance that may be available to your family.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Identify all sources of recovery<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance limits are only one part of the picture. We examine every potential source that may respond to a fatal crash.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep the family informed<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain each step in plain language so you understand what is happening and what decisions are yours to make.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focus on your family<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recognize that a wrongful death case is about losing someone you love. We handle the legal work so you can focus on your loved ones.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Do not assume the insurance is enough<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance limits can be lower than a family&#x27;s losses, and coverage questions can be complicated. Speak with our team before you accept any settlement offer or sign any insurance paperwork.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What to bring to your consultation<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The crash details<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The date, location and any police or collision report numbers you have, even if you are not sure they matter.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insurance information<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any letters, declarations pages or claim numbers from insurers, including those for your family member&#x27;s own policy.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical and funeral records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hospital, medical examiner and funeral records help us understand the event and the losses your family has faced.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your questions<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write down what worries you most about limits, coverage or the process. We will start with your concerns.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with Colvin Accident Lawyers about your family&#x27;s options<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/\">Fatal Crash Claims in Kern County: Who Can Sue and What a Family Can Recover<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-truck-crash-lawsuit-california\/\">Fatal Truck Crash Lawsuit in California: Families and Trucking Company Liability<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/motorcycle-fatal-crash-claim-california\/\">Motorcycle Fatal Crash Claim in California: Lawsuits After a Rider Dies<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A fatal crash involved another driver? Learn California&#8217;s minimum auto insurance limits, uninsured motorist coverage, fault rules, and filing deadlines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":930,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-crash-at-fault-driver-insurance-limits-california\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"pa\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/pa\/ghatak-hadsa-dave-kern-kaunti\/ghatak-hadsa-dosi-driver-bima-seema-kailifornia\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-crash-at-fault-driver-insurance-limits-california\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Donald Norman Colvin\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/donald-colvin-esq-bakersfield-personal-injury-attorney\", \"jobTitle\": \"Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/bakersfield.kernhigh.org\", \"https:\/\/www.calstate.edu\", \"https:\/\/www.wsulaw.edu\", \"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nZfBxYtQQifX3osw5\"]}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Regina Absher\", \"jobTitle\": \"Personal Injury Paralegal\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the minimum car insurance in California after a fatal crash?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the minimums are $30,000 per person, $60,000 for two or more persons in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage. 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