If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a large truck in Kern County, you know how quickly medical bills can overwhelm you — and how frustrating it is when the at-fault driver’s insurance barely covers a fraction of the costs. That’s why SB 1107, California’s newly implemented auto insurance reform, is such a game-changer. As of January 1, 2025, minimum liability coverage requirements have increased for the first time in decades. For anyone searching for a Bakersfield truck accident lawyer, understanding this change is essential to protecting your rights.
What SB 1107 Changes
SB 1107 modernizes California’s outdated minimum auto liability insurance limits. Before 2025, the minimums were:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to multiple people
- $5,000 for property damage
Under SB 1107, those limits have doubled:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person
- $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people
- $15,000 for property damage
These new limits apply to all vehicles, including large commercial trucks, meaning more compensation may be available to victims.
Why This Matters for Truck Accident Victims
Truck crashes often cause devastating injuries — spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple fractures. Bakersfield’s location along Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Route 58 makes it a hotspot for heavy truck traffic. When an accident happens, the old $15,000 minimum was rarely enough to cover even a fraction of hospital bills.
The increased limits provide a stronger starting point for claims, especially when another motorist contributes to a crash involving a semi-truck. This can be especially important in multi-vehicle pileups, which are common on Bakersfield’s busy freeways.
How SB 1107 Impacts Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Multi-vehicle collisions are frequent in Bakersfield due to high truck volume and congested traffic corridors. Under the old limits, multiple victims had to share just $30,000 in bodily injury coverage — often leaving each person with a fraction of their actual damages. SB 1107’s new $60,000 per accident minimum gives more room for compensation when several people are hurt in the same crash.
The Role of a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer
Even with higher minimums, insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible. They may argue about the severity of injuries, claim you were partly at fault, or offer quick settlements that fall short of covering long-term costs.
A skilled Bakersfield truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate all potentially liable parties, including other drivers and trucking companies
- Secure black box data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records
- Pursue claims against multiple insurance policies to maximize recovery
In cases involving both a truck driver and a third-party motorist, SB 1107’s higher limits can be an important part of a larger legal strategy.
Example of SB 1107 in Action
Consider a crash on Highway 99 where a passenger vehicle cuts off a semi-truck, causing the truck to jackknife and collide with other vehicles. If you suffered a leg fracture requiring $45,000 in surgery and rehabilitation, the old $15,000 limit from the passenger vehicle’s policy would leave a massive gap. Under SB 1107, that coverage jumps to $30,000 — closing a larger portion of the shortfall before pursuing the trucking company’s commercial insurance.
Injured? Call Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer at Bojat Law Group
SB 1107 improves the baseline for insurance payouts, but serious truck accident claims in Bakersfield often require going beyond the minimum coverage. Identifying all responsible parties, calculating the full extent of damages, and fighting for fair compensation still requires experienced legal representation.
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, call Bojat Law Group at (818) 877-4878 to speak directly with an attorney who understands how to leverage SB 1107 for your case. A dedicated Bakersfield truck accident lawyer can help secure the full recovery you deserve.