Accidents Reported in Southern California

New ruling prevents California car accident victims from obtaining full recovery

Posted on Aug 26, 2011

The California Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the mega insurance companies when the Court determined that California car accident injury victims can only recover damages in the amount that their insurance company paid - not the actual amount of the medical bills, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

This decision stems from a near-fatal car accident involving a California woman who was struck by a meat truck that made an illegal U-turn on a San Diego road. Rebecca Howell's medical bills topped $190,000 after a spinal fusion surgery and related treatment, but only $60,000 of the bills are being considered for damages - the amount that Howell's health insurance company actually paid after negotiations with the hospital.

The ruling means that insurance information will be disclosed to jurors in cases similar to this one, and also that car accident victims will not be able to receive full compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Riverside car accident, you need information. Contact Steinberg Spencer, authors of The Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case, by calling 800.989.6385. Or fill out our online form for your free case evaluation.