What California car accident victims can recover
Under California civil law, the at-fault driver (and their insurer) is liable for the full economic and non-economic losses caused by the accident. That includes: emergency room and follow-up medical care, ongoing physical therapy and pain management, future medical costs documented by a treating physician, lost wages and lost future earning capacity, vehicle repair or replacement, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. We document every category from day one.
California is a fault state — and what that means for your case
California uses pure comparative fault. Even if you are found partly responsible for the accident, you can still recover — your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance carriers will often try to pin some fault on you to lower their payout. A thorough investigation, accident reconstruction (when warranted), and a careful liability analysis are the antidote to that tactic.
Statute of limitations: two years — but act faster
California's deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit from a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Property-damage-only claims have a three-year window. Suits against government entities require a Government Tort Claim filed within six months. We track every applicable deadline from the day you call us.
Why insurance carriers offer low first-round settlements
The first offer from a carrier — typically made within days of the accident — is almost always far below the value of a properly developed case. Once you sign their release, you cannot reopen the claim, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than the carrier knew. Talk to a lawyer before signing anything.
Free case review
Call (213) 380-9310 for a free review of your car accident case. We will tell you, on the call, whether you have a viable claim and what it is likely worth.