Last updated: November 8, 2026
California personal injury law changed in big ways for 2026: Senate Bill 1107 tripled the minimum insurance every driver must carry, Senate Bill 371 cut rideshare uninsured-motorist protection from $1 million to $60,000 per person, and three new e-bike laws changed who pays when a rider is hurt. This guide breaks down each change in plain language, what it means for your claim, and the deadlines you cannot afford to miss.
By Ben Marmont, Fairmont Law Firm
Trending California personal injury law topics all point the same direction in 2026: more insurance to go after, new rules for rideshare and e-bikes, and insurers fighting harder to pay less. Senate Bill 1107 raised minimum liability coverage from $15,000 to $30,000 per person, Senate Bill 371 slashed rideshare UM/UIM coverage from $1 million to $60,000 per person, and new e-bike laws now shape fault in rider injury cases. If you were hurt this year, these laws directly affect what your claim is worth. Knowing them before you speak to any adjuster protects you from a quick, lowball settlement. Here is what you need to know, from the firm that fights for injured people across all 58 California counties.
We know how a single second can turn your life upside down. One moment you are driving to work or picking up the kids. The next, you are facing a mountain of medical bills and a totaled car. It is overwhelming. It is scary.
We are Fairmont Law Firm. We fight for people like you every single day. Whether you are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or a small town in the Central Valley, we are on your side.
What Do the New 30/60/15 Insurance Minimums Mean for You?
For decades, California had some of the lowest auto insurance requirements in the country. Senate Bill 1107 changed that. Effective January 1, 2025, every driver must now carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $15,000 in property damage coverage. Before the law, the minimums were a paltry $15,000/$30,000/$5,000. That barely covered an ER visit.
How the New Limits Affect Your Settlement
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury or death to all persons in one accident.
- $15,000 for property damage.
This is a victory for victims. It means more money is available from the person who hit you. But minimums are not guarantees. Insurance companies are fighting harder than ever to protect their profits.
They might try to settle your case quickly for the "new minimum." Do not fall for it. Your injuries could be worth much more, and the at-fault driver can still be liable above their policy limits. We see through these tactics. We make sure you get every penny you deserve.
Why Are Delivery Truck Accidents Different From Car Crashes?
You see them every day. Amazon vans, FedEx trucks, and UPS drivers are everywhere, rushing to meet impossible deadlines. That pressure leads to mistakes, and delivery vehicle crashes are rising across California neighborhoods.
Commercial vehicle accidents are different from standard car crashes. These drivers are often exhausted. They may be poorly trained. When they hit you, you are fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation with a team of adjusters and lawyers.
Who Is Responsible After a Delivery Truck Crash?
Option 1: Employee Negligence
The driver made a mistake. We hold the driver accountable.
Option 2: Vicarious Liability
The company is responsible for its driver's actions on the job. This is where we target the big commercial policies.
Option 3: Maintenance Issues
Sometimes the truck itself was unsafe. We pull the inspection and maintenance logs to find the truth.
Federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR Part 395) limit how long commercial drivers can stay behind the wheel, and their trucks record speed, braking, and route data electronically. We move fast to secure that "black box" evidence before it disappears. If a delivery truck turned your life upside down, contact a truck accident attorney near me immediately. We are available 24/7 to start your investigation.
Which New E-Bike Laws Could Affect Your Injury Claim?
E-bikes are booming across California, and the crashes are getting more severe. Federal data shows the danger: emergency department visits for e-bike injuries jumped from 24,400 in 2022 to 34,200 in 2023, nearly a tenfold increase since 2017, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC also linked 14 deaths to eight lithium-ion battery fire incidents between 2017 and 2023.
Three New Laws Every Rider and Driver Should Know
- SB 1271: E-bike batteries sold in California must be tested and certified by an accredited laboratory, such as to ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 or EN 15194. A defective or uncertified battery can now point liability back to the manufacturer. (SB 1271)
- AB 544: E-bikes must carry a red rear reflector or a solid or flashing red light during all hours of operation, not just at night. (AB 544)
- AB 875: Police can impound a Class 3 e-bike operated by anyone under 16, and impounded e-bikes are held at least 48 hours. (AB 875)
California defines three e-bike classes under Vehicle Code § 312.5, and where and how fast you may ride depends on your class. Those details matter when fault is disputed.
If a driver hits you on an e-bike, they may blame you. They may say you were going too fast or point to the new laws to avoid paying. We do not let them. California follows "pure comparative negligence" under Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975). Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation reduced by your share of fault. We protect your right to the road.
How Did SB 371 Change Rideshare Coverage in 2026?
Most people assume Uber and Lyft always carry a $1 million policy. In 2026, that is only half-true. Senate Bill 371, which took effect January 1, 2026, cut the uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection that must cover you as a rideshare passenger from $1,000,000 down to $60,000 per person ($300,000 per incident).
Understanding the Three Periods of Rideshare Coverage
- Period 1 (App Off): Only the driver's personal insurance applies.
- Period 2 (App On, No Passenger): Moderate liability limits apply.
- Period 3 (Passenger in Car): $1 million in liability coverage if the rideshare driver is at fault.
The $1 million liability requirement did not change. What changed is your safety net when another driver causes the crash and carries little or no insurance. If that driver hits your Uber, your UM/UIM recovery is now capped at $60,000 per person, a 94% cut.
This is a devastating reduction for passengers with serious injuries. It makes choosing the right car accident lawyer california more important than ever. We look for every possible source of recovery, including your own UM/UIM policy, so you are not left with a check that doesn't cover your bills.
Can You File a Claim Without Immediate Medical Records?
We hear this question every day: "I didn't go to the doctor right away. Can I still sue?"
The answer is yes. But you must act now, and you must know the clock is already running. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle or a dangerous public road was involved, you must present a government claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2.
The insurance company loves the "treatment gap." They will claim you were not actually hurt. They will say your injuries happened somewhere else.
How We Bridge the Gap
Step 1: Immediate Evaluation
Go to a doctor today. We can help you find medical providers who understand personal injury cases.
Step 2: Document Everything
Write down your pain levels. Take photos of your bruising. Keep every bill and appointment record.
Step 3: Expert Testimony
We hire medical experts. They explain to the jury why symptoms sometimes take days to appear.
Do not let a "gap" in treatment stop you. Your health is the priority. Your recovery is our mission. If you need a personal injury lawyer california, we offer a Free Case Evaluation to help you understand your options.
Your 2026 Accident Recovery Checklist
If you have been injured, follow these steps immediately. Your future depends on it.
[ ] Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible.
[ ] Call 911: Always get a police report. It is the foundation of your case.
[ ] Take Photos: Capture the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.
[ ] Gather Info: Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from everyone involved.
[ ] Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel "fine," go to the ER or an urgent care.
[ ] Never Give a Statement: Do not talk to the other driver's insurance company. They are not your friends.
[ ] Call Fairmont Law Firm: We handle the paperwork while you focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new California insurance minimums?
Under SB 1107, the minimum liability limits are now 30/60/15: $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for all persons injured in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
How did rideshare insurance change in 2026?
SB 371 reduced the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that protects rideshare passengers from $1,000,000 to $60,000 per person ($300,000 per incident), effective January 1, 2026. The $1 million liability requirement for the rideshare driver remains.
Can I still file a personal injury claim if I didn't see a doctor immediately?
Yes. You can still file, but see a doctor as soon as possible. Insurers use "treatment gaps" to argue you were not hurt, so medical records created early are the strongest proof of your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of the injury under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims involving a government entity require a claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2.
Why Fairmont Law Firm?
We are not just another law firm. We are accident specialists. We focus exclusively on injury cases in California.
- ZERO Fee Until We Win: You never pay us a dime out of pocket. We only get paid when we win your case.
- Available 24/7: Accidents do not happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Neither do we.
- Millions Recovered: Our track record speaks for itself.
- Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español.
We represent victims across all 58 California counties. From a car accident lawyer near me in your local town to high-stakes litigation in major cities, we have you covered. See why clients rate us on our reviews page.
Do not wait for the insurance company to lowball you. The clock is ticking on your claim.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm today for your FREE Case Evaluation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
Sources and Legal Disclaimer
- Senate Bill 1107 (2023-2024): Insurance: liability
- Senate Bill 371 (2025-2026): Transportation network companies: insurance coverage
- SB 1271 (2023-2024): Electric bicycles: powered mobility devices: storage batteries
- AB 544 (2025-2026): Electric bicycles: required equipment
- AB 875 (2025-2026): Vehicle removal
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries and Hazard Patterns 2017-2023
- 49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service of Drivers
- California Vehicle Code § 312.5
- Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1
- Government Code § 911.2
- Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975)
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts involved. If you have been injured, contact Fairmont Law Firm for a free evaluation of your situation.