Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

Re: Leaving the Scene

My first suggestion is that you contact your own insurance company, and ask THEM the same questions. Your most important inquiry should be as to how badly hurt the other party(s) was, and how much their car might cost to fix. What I'm getting at is that YOU need to know whether the DAMAGES caused by your boyfriend are likely to exceed your insurance policy limits. This would be a good time to REVIEW those limits, since California's mandatory liability insurance is in such a LOW amount -- last time I was involved in that issue, it was only $15,000.00 per person, per accident, and $30,000.00 for ALL persons, for any one accident. Clearly, that's not enough in many accidents. Consider buying HIGHER COVERAGE limits, which actually are NOT so expensive, typically. It won't help you on THIS case, but it might on another.

Before you make any decisions or worry any further -- since your worries may well be unwarranted -- you really should have that conversation with the insurance adjuster from YOUR company, who is assigned to this case. If it turns out that the injuries were minor, then there's probably no issue as to your personal liability. Insurance would presumably pay it all. BUT, if it IS a serious injury that has value far in excess of YOUR policy limits, or they're claiming it is, then you should go VISIT a good personal injury DEFENSE lawyer, to discuss these issues in greater detail. Be sure to bring your insurance policy with you when you do.

Sorry I can't be of more help right now. Good luck!

Sam Hochberg