California Car Accident? Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were hurt in a California car accident, a personal injury lawyer can protect your rights, deal with insurers, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Learn key steps to take after a crash, how fault works in California, and what to expect from the claims process.
After a Crash: First Steps to Protect Your Claim
Your health and safety come first. Seek medical care right away, even if symptoms seem minor—some injuries appear hours or days later. Call law enforcement to report the collision and, if safe, gather photos or video of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries. Exchange information with all drivers and witnesses. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Notify your insurer promptly and consider consulting a California personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company. Get a free consultation.
Quick Tips
- Use your phone to capture wide shots and close-ups of damage and the scene.
- Politely decline insurer requests for a recorded statement until you speak with counsel.
- Keep a symptom diary and save all receipts and bills.
- Do not post details about the crash on social media.
California Is a Fault-Based, Pure Comparative Negligence State
In California, injury claims are generally resolved under the ordinary negligence/fault system (not a “no-fault” auto scheme). California law imposes a duty to use ordinary care and makes individuals responsible for injuries caused by their lack of care: Cal. Civ. Code § 1714(a). California follows pure comparative negligence, so any party’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault—but recovery is not barred even if the claimant is mostly at fault: Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975).
What Compensation May Cover
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic losses
- In serious cases, long-term care and life-care planning
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurers may seek early statements and offer quick settlements that do not reflect the full value of your claim, especially before your medical condition stabilizes. An attorney can manage communications, document your damages, and negotiate with insurers while you focus on recovery.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Case
- Police collision report
- Medical records and bills, diagnostic imaging
- Photographs and video of the scene and vehicles
- Witness statements
- Vehicle event data (EDR), cell phone records
- Repair estimates
- Expert analyses (accident reconstruction, biomechanical opinions)
Common Causes of California Car Crashes
- Distracted driving (including phone use)
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating and failure to yield
- Impaired or drowsy driving
- Hazardous road or weather conditions
Understanding Deadlines
Deadlines depend on the claim type, parties involved, and other factors. Common timelines include:
- Personal injury: generally two years from the date of injury: Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1.
- Property damage: generally three years: Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)(1).
- Claims involving a California public entity: present a written government claim, usually within six months: Gov. Code § 911.2, with related lawsuit deadlines after rejection: Gov. Code § 945.6.
Exceptions and tolling rules may apply (for example, minors or delayed discovery). Speak with a California attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Post-Accident Checklist
- Move to a safe location and call 911.
- Exchange names, contact, insurance, and vehicle information.
- Photograph vehicles, the scene, and visible injuries.
- Identify and get contact info for witnesses.
- Seek medical evaluation within 24 hours.
- Report the crash to your insurer.
- Start a file for bills, receipts, and correspondence.
- Consult a California personal injury lawyer before recorded statements.
When to Call a Lawyer
- You suffered injuries
- Liability is disputed or multiple vehicles are involved
- An insurer is pressuring you to settle quickly
- A government vehicle or roadway defect may be involved
What We Do for Clients
We investigate the crash, secure and analyze evidence, coordinate with your medical providers, calculate full damages, communicate with insurers, and pursue settlement or litigation as needed. We aim to resolve your claim efficiently while preparing each case as if it will go to trial.
No Upfront Fees
Personal injury matters are often handled on a contingency-fee basis—fees are typically a percentage of the recovery and are owed only if we obtain compensation, subject to the terms of a written fee agreement. Case costs and expenses are discussed in advance and addressed in the agreement.
FAQ
Do I have to report a minor crash in California?
You must report a collision to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured, killed, or if property damage exceeded the statutory threshold. You should also notify your insurer promptly.
What if I am partly at fault?
California’s pure comparative negligence reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you were mostly at fault.
How soon should I see a doctor?
As soon as possible. Prompt care protects your health and creates records that link injuries to the crash.
How long do I have to file?
Many injury claims have a two-year deadline, property damage three years, and government claims much shorter timelines. Speak with an attorney right away to confirm the deadline for your case.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. You pay no upfront attorney’s fees, and fees are typically a percentage of the recovery per a written agreement.
Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a California car accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Speak with a lawyer about your options and next steps.
Ready to protect your claim? Contact our California injury team now.
Last reviewed: 2025-09-12.