Who pays for damage after a car accident?

In California, the person who is legally responsible for a car accident, or at-fault driver, is liable for the resulting damage. This means they are responsible for repairing, or paying to repair, any damage to another vehicle or property, and potentially paying for medical expenses related to the accident. In California, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company is primarily responsible for compensating the other parties involved in the accident. To cover costs, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may pay out of pocket, but they may also seek compensation from the at-fault driver. This can be done through a process called subrogation, which requires the at-fault driver to pay back the insurance company for any money they have paid out. Under certain circumstances, such as when an at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, or if their insurance limits cannot cover the costs of the damage, an injured driver can pursue compensation through their own insurance company. Such cases may require filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. Additionally, an injured driver may be able to sue the at-fault driver directly, but this is only likely to be successful in cases where the damages are extensive and it is clear that the other driver was at fault. Ultimately, who pays for damage caused by a car accident will depend on the type and extent of damage, as well as who is found to be at fault for the accident. It is important for all drivers involved in an accident to ensure they understand their rights when it comes to filing claims and seeking compensation.

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