Below, are some of the laws most commonly associated with car accidents.
Pedestrian Laws
Drivers must stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians should not enter a crosswalk when it would cause an immediate hazard because of nearby traffic. When a "walk" signal illuminates, pedestrians facing the signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal and this signal gives them the right-of-way. Pedestrians should not start to walk on a "don't walk" or "wait" signal.
Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles if crossing a roadway that is not a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Driving Laws
Some of the most important laws that motorists must follow include:
· Passing - Drivers must pass to the left at a safe distance and must stay in the passing lane until it is safe to return to the right lane. Drivers being passed should not increase their speed while being passed.
· Following - A driver must not follow another driver more closely than what is reasonable and prudent and must consider the speed of other drivers and traffic conditions.
· Turning left - Drivers turning left must give an appropriate signal and should only do so when the turn can be made reasonably safely.
· Intersections - If two drivers approach an intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right of way of the driver on the right.
· Mobile devices - Drivers must not operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device unless it is configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based communication.
Motorcycle Laws
All motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets while riding on roadways. Motorcycle headlights must be activated during darkness.
Insurance Requirements
In California, car owners must have an insurance policy that provides liability coverage that meets the minimum requirements of:
· $15,000 per person
· $30,000 for two or more people
· $5,000 per occurrence for property damage
California uses a no-fault insurance system in which it finds that every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for an injury to a person or death or property damage caused by a negligent or wrongful act or lack of action up to the liability limits discussed above. If a car accident victim can show that the injury or death was caused by a driver's intoxication or willful misconduct, he or she can file a lawsuit against the driver. Duty to Give Information and Render Aid A driver involved in an automotive accident that causes injury or death must stop at the accident, render aid and provide their information. A driver must report any such accident to the California Highway Patrol or local police department within 24 hours of the accident.
