Short answer: if the crash was someone else's fault and you file against their insurance, your own rates usually should not go up because of it. Filing a claim with your own carrier, or being found partly at fault, can change things depending on the facts.
Here is how it tends to work in San Diego. When another driver hits you and you pursue a claim against their liability coverage, you are dealing with their insurer, not yours. That third party claim is not supposed to touch your premium. Where people get nervous is when they use their own coverage, like collision or uninsured motorist, or when there is a dispute about who caused the wreck.
California is a pure comparative fault state. That means if you are found partly responsible, your recovery gets reduced by your share, but you can still recover. How an insurer treats a claim on your record can depend on that fault finding, your policy, and your carrier's own rules. Every company is a little different.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case turns on its own facts.
Do not let fear of a rate hike stop you from getting the medical care and compensation you are owed after a car accident, a motorcycle accident, or any other personal injury. Talking to the adjuster before you talk to a lawyer can cost you.
Joe Crudo will walk you through your options for free. Call (858) 622-7280 or reach us through the contact page.