California is seeing its biggest shift in car insurance laws in over 50 years. If you drive a car, ride a motorcycle, or walk the streets of California, you need to pay attention. Senate Bill 1107 (SB 1107) is the topic on everyone’s lips. It’s changing the game for car accident victims across the state.
For decades, California had some of the lowest insurance requirements in the nation. This left many people struggling to pay medical bills after a crash. That is finally changing. But with more insurance money on the table, insurance companies are going to fight harder than ever.
You need a team that knows these new laws inside and out. You need a personal injury lawyer California victims can count on to secure every penny they deserve. At Fairmont Law Firm, we are ready for the SB 1107 era. We fight for you while you focus on healing.
What Exactly Is SB 1107?
SB 1107 is a new law that forces insurance companies to provide more coverage. For a long time, the minimum amount of insurance someone had to carry was incredibly low. We call these the "15/30/5" limits.
If you were hit by someone with minimum coverage, you could only get $15,000 for your injuries. In today’s world, $15,000 barely covers an ER visit and a few scans. It certainly doesn't cover surgery, lost wages, or long-term pain.
The New Numbers You Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2025, those old numbers are disappearing. SB 1107 bumps them up significantly. Here is the breakdown of what is changing:
- Bodily Injury (One Person): Increasing from $15,000 to $30,000.
- Bodily Injury (Per Accident): Increasing from $30,000 to $60,000.
- Property Damage: Increasing from $5,000 to $15,000.
This means if you are in a crash after the new year, there is more money available to cover your losses. But don't think for a second the insurance companies will hand it over easily. They are already planning ways to protect their profits.
Why This Matters for Your Car Accident Claim
You might think more insurance means an easier settlement. In reality, it means the stakes are higher. When a policy limit was only $15,000, insurance companies sometimes paid it out quickly to avoid a lawsuit. Now that the minimum is $30,000, they have more to lose.
They will look for any reason to deny your claim or blame you for the accident. They will comb through your medical records. They will watch your social media. They want to prove your injuries aren't worth the full $30,000.
This is why searching for a "car accident lawyer near me" is more important than ever. You need someone who can prove the full extent of your damages. You need an aggressive advocate who doesn't back down from big insurance.
Better Protection for Serious Injuries
If you suffer a serious injury, $30,000 is still not enough. A single night in the hospital can cost more than that. However, the increase is a step in the right direction. It gives your legal team a larger "pot" of money to work with.
It also helps in multi-car accidents. If three people are hurt, the old $30,000 limit had to be split between everyone. That left victims with almost nothing. The new $60,000 limit provides a bit more breathing room for families caught in a disaster.
The Hidden Catch: Why Insurance Companies Are Nervous
Insurance companies hate SB 1107. They fought against it for years. Why? Because it costs them money. They are likely to raise premiums for everyone in California. They will also likely become more aggressive in court.
When you are dealing with a personal injury lawyer California trusts, you get a shield against these tactics. We know how they play the game. We know they want to save money. We make sure they pay what they owe.
Option 1: The Do-It-Yourself Approach
You can try to talk to the insurance adjuster yourself. You might get a small check quickly. But you will almost certainly leave money on the table. Once you sign their release, your case is over forever. You can't ask for more later when your back starts hurting again.
Option 2: The Fairmont Law Firm Approach
You call us. We handle every phone call. We gather every medical bill. We hire experts to reconstruct the crash if needed. We push for the maximum settlement possible under the new SB 1107 limits. You pay nothing unless we win.
Your Action Plan: What to Do After a California Crash
The moments after a crash are chaotic. Your heart is racing. You are in pain. It is hard to think clearly. But what you do next will determine the success of your case. Use this checklist to protect your rights under the new laws.
☑ Call 911 Immediately
Never let the other driver talk you out of calling the police. A formal police report is the most important piece of evidence you can have. It documents who was there, what happened, and who was at fault.
☑ Take Photos and Video
Use your phone. Capture the damage to both cars. Take photos of the road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks. If you have visible injuries, take photos of those too. Evidence disappears quickly once the tow trucks arrive.
☑ Get Contact Info
Collect the name, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver. If there were witnesses, get their contact info too. Don't rely on the police to get everything.
☑ Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel "fine," go to the doctor. Adrenaline hides pain. Many serious injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, don't show symptoms right away. A gap in medical treatment is the #1 way insurance companies destroy your claim.
☑ Contact Fairmont Law Firm
Don't wait. The sooner we start, the better. We can secure surveillance footage and talk to witnesses while their memories are fresh. We are available 24/7 to help you.
Why Fairmont Law Firm Is the Right Choice for You
We aren't just another law firm. We are your neighbors. We serve every corner of California, from San Diego to the Oregon border. We focus exclusively on injury cases because we believe victims deserve specialized expertise.
Zero Fee Until We Win
We know you are stressed about money. You have medical bills piling up and you might be missing work. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis. You don't pay us a single dollar out of your pocket. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don't recover money for you, our services are free.
Aggressive Representation
We don't take "no" for an answer. Our reputation for being fast and aggressive precedes us. Insurance adjusters know that if they don't offer a fair settlement, we are ready to take them to court. We have recovered millions for our clients, and we are ready to do the same for you.
We Speak Your Language
Legal jargon is confusing. We make it simple. We explain your rights in plain English. And if you prefer to speak Spanish, we have a full bilingual team ready to support you. Se habla Español.
How SB 1107 Affects Different Types of Accidents
While SB 1107 is an auto insurance law, its impact spreads across many types of cases. Whether you were in a car, on a bike, or walking, these new limits play a role.
Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Riders are incredibly vulnerable. When a car hits a motorcycle or a bicycle, the injuries are almost always severe. The old $15,000 limit was a joke for a rider with a broken leg or a head injury. The new $30,000 minimum provides a bit more help, but you still need a lawyer to fight for additional compensation from other sources.
Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare insurance is complicated. It depends on whether the driver had a passenger or was just waiting for a ride. SB 1107 ensures that even the lowest tier of coverage is now higher. If you are injured in a rideshare crash, we can navigate the complex layers of insurance to find the most coverage available.
Truck Accidents (FedEx, Amazon, UPS)
Commercial trucks already have much higher insurance requirements than regular cars. However, SB 1107 reflects a general trend toward higher liability across the board. If you are hit by a big rig, you aren't just fighting an insurance company; you are fighting a massive corporation. You need our aggressive team to hold them accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About SB 1107
Does SB 1107 automatically raise my limits?
Yes. If your policy is below the new 30/60/15 minimum, it will automatically be bumped up when you renew your policy on or after January 1, 2025. You don't have to do anything, but your premiums might go up.
Does this law apply to my accident from last year?
Unfortunately, no. The limits that apply to your case are the ones that were in effect on the date of your accident. If your crash happened in 2024, the old 15/30/5 limits likely apply.
Will my settlement be bigger now?
In many cases, yes. There is more money available in the "pot." If your injuries are worth more than $15,000, you now have a better chance of getting a higher settlement. However, the insurance company will fight harder to keep that money.
What if the other driver has no insurance at all?
This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage comes in. SB 1107 also raises the minimum requirements for UM coverage. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your own insurance company "steps into their shoes" to pay your claim. We can help you file this claim against your own insurer.
Don't Wait: The Clock Is Ticking
California has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to recover anything.
The world of California insurance is changing. Don't navigate it alone. Whether you need a car accident lawyer near me in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or anywhere in between, Fairmont Law Firm is here for you.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. It costs you nothing to talk to us. We will listen to your story, explain how SB 1107 affects your specific situation, and give you an honest assessment of your case.
Step 1: Contact Us
Call us 24/7 or fill out the form on our website. We are ready to listen.
Step 2: We Investigate
We gather the evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a rock-solid case for you.
Step 3: We Fight
We take on the insurance companies and demand the maximum compensation.
Step 4: You Recover
You focus on your health and your family while we secure your financial future.
Your life can be turned upside down in seconds. A devastating crash can leave you feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. We are here to be your protector. We are here to be your voice.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm today. Let us show you why we are the personal injury lawyer California victims trust most.
Call us now. We are available 24/7. Zero Fee Until We Win.