TL;DR: You can start or continue a California personal injury case while temporarily abroad. Arrange a reliable way to contact your lawyer, share documents, and track deadlines. Some legal steps may require special arrangements or an in-person appearance.
Yes, you can start consulting a California personal injury lawyer or continue an existing case while traveling outside the United States. Phone calls, emails, and secure online tools can help you stay involved. However, your lawyer must review which steps in the case you can complete remotely and which parts may require a mandatory appearance.
Your travel plans do not automatically extend California filing deadlines. Before leaving, discuss your travel dates, preferred contact methods, and upcoming legal obligations. If you are already abroad, you can make these arrangements now.
Key Facts About California Injury Cases During International Travel
- California injury lawsuits generally have a two-year filing deadline. Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 generally allows two years from the date of the injury to sue, subject to exceptions.
- Remote court participation depends on applicable rules and court orders. California Rule of Court 3.672 permits remote participation in qualifying civil proceedings, but courts may require in-person attendance.
- Electronic signatures can carry legal effect in California. Civil Code §§ 1633.5 and 1633.7 recognize electronic transactions and signatures when the parties agree to use electronic means.
- Foreign-country restrictions may affect depositions abroad. The U.S. Department of State advises that taking testimony overseas must comply with the destination country’s laws and requirements.
- Lawyers must promptly distribute undisputed settlement funds that clients are entitled to receive. California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 requires prompt distribution of undisputed funds and written accounting of money held for clients.
Table of Contents
California State Bar #249405
Admitted 2007
California Personal Injury Attorney
- November 2026
I Will Be Outside The Country And May Miss Calls. What Should I Arrange With My Injury Lawyer So Communication And Necessary Case Steps Do Not Get Lost?
Before you travel, tell your injury lawyer when you will leave, when you expect to return, and how to reach you. Agree on how the firm should contact you about urgent issues.
Review upcoming filing deadlines, medical appointments, insurance requests, and documents you need to sign. Confirm which tasks your lawyer will handle and which require your response.
If the accident happened recently, seek medical care and make any required reports to the police, property owner, or other responsible party. Preserve photos, witness details, and other available evidence. If you already have a lawyer, explain what is still unfinished. If not, bring that information to your consultation.
Set Up a Communication Plan Before You Travel
Discuss these arrangements with your lawyer:
- Contact Methods: Choose a primary method, such as email, and a backup method if your phone stops working abroad.
- Time Zones: Share your destination’s time zone and the hours when you can receive calls or messages.
- Contact Permission: Explain whether the firm may leave voicemail messages, send texts, or discuss limited updates with a trusted person.
- Secure Document Access: Test the firm’s secure portal before leaving. If your phone cannot receive verification codes abroad, ask about another approved login method.
- Urgent Requests: Agree on how the firm will flag urgent matters and when you should respond. Identify a primary and a backup firm contact, and ask whether the firm has a general phone number or another approved method for reporting urgent matters.
- Upcoming Appointments: Review any medical examinations, depositions, or court appearances that may occur during your trip.
You can name a trusted person as a backup contact and specify what information your lawyer may share. This permission does not automatically allow that person to make legal decisions or approve a settlement.
If you miss a call or urgent message, contact your lawyer as soon as possible. Ask whether you missed a deadline, appointment, or request for information. Confirm the next steps in writing, including the deadline for your response.
Travel Coordination Checklist for Your California Injury Case
Use this checklist to coordinate your California injury case while you travel abroad. Record key dates, contact permissions, assigned tasks, and required confirmations. Review it with your lawyer before departure or during travel. If you have not hired a lawyer, bring it to your consultation.
| Date or Time | Contact Permission | Task | Responsible Person | Confirmation Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before Departure | Approve email, text, or secure messages. | Share travel dates and contact details. | Client. | Lawyer confirms contact methods. |
| During Travel | Specify when calls and messages are allowed. | Set response windows using California time. | Client and legal team. | Both confirm the schedule. |
| Before Departure | Approve any limited disclosure to a backup contact. | Identify an emergency contact, if needed. | Client. | Written permission and scope. |
| Before Departure | Specify who may receive the documents. | Transfer reports, records, and correspondence. | Client. | Legal team confirms receipt. |
| Before each Deadline | Confirm how urgent instructions will be delivered. | Review filings, insurer requests, and required signatures. | Lawyer and client. | Task owner and due date confirmed. |
| Before Appointments | Confirm preferred scheduling and contact method. | Review treatment, depositions, and hearings. | Lawyer and client. | Attendance method and location confirmed. |
| Before Return | Update the firm if travel plans change. | Review unfinished tasks and new records. | Client and legal team. | Next steps confirmed in writing. |
Replace the planner’s general dates with actual deadlines and appointment times. Record important events using California time and your destination’s time zone.
A consultation does not mean a lawyer has accepted your case. Ask the firm to confirm its decision in writing and explain when it will begin handling time-sensitive tasks.
Forward any legal notices or insurance documents you receive abroad. Ask for confirmation when the firm completes time-sensitive tasks. Receiving a signed document does not mean the court has accepted it for filing.
What Parts of a California Injury Case Can Be Handled Remotely?
Your lawyer can handle most case tasks while you are abroad. Others may require your participation or an in-person appearance.
- Hiring an Attorney and Signing a Retainer: You can often hire California personal injury attorneys by phone, email, or video call. Ask the firm how to complete your fee agreement securely.
- Filing a Lawsuit and Court Motions: Your attorney can file a lawsuit and submit court documents while you are abroad. Lawyers can also handle many motions and case management conferences without their clients present. California courts permit remote appearances in many civil proceedings, subject to applicable rules and court orders.
- Written Discovery and Depositions: You can often answer written questions electronically. A deposition involves answering questions under oath and may take place by video. Your attorney must check court rules and restrictions in the country where you are staying.
- Signing Settlement Documents: You may be able to review and sign settlement agreements electronically while abroad. California Civil Code § 1633.7 recognizes electronic signatures, but the parties must agree to use them. Your lawyer should confirm the signing requirements before sending documents.
You May Need to Return to California for Trial
You may need to return if your case goes to trial. California courts permit some remote appearances and testimony, but the court may require you to attend in person. Your lawyer should confirm the requirements before you make travel plans.
If your case is in litigation, ask whether a trial date has been set. Discuss how much notice you may receive and whether remote participation is an option.
You may also check the rules on remote appearances in California civil proceedings, as well as any restrictions that apply to your destination.
Medical Examinations May Require Your Return
Some medical examinations may require you to visit California. Ask your lawyer which appointments you must attend and whether they can be scheduled around your trip.
If an examination conflicts with your travel dates, notify your attorney promptly. Ask whether it can be rescheduled. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, ask your doctor to document those limits.
What Happens If You Need Medical Treatment While Abroad?
You can seek medical care while abroad if your condition requires it. Tell the treating provider about your California injury, previous treatment, and current symptoms. Follow medical advice about further testing, travel, and recovery.
Ask for copies of the records from each visit. Useful documents include diagnoses, imaging results, prescriptions, treatment notes, and bills.
Share these records with your California attorney through an approved channel. Medical records help assess a potential injury claim and show how your condition developed after the original injury.
If you suffered a serious injury, such as brain or spinal cord damage, discuss ongoing care and any travel limits with your medical team. Your lawyer can also review how future care needs affect the claim.
How Foreign Medical Records Support California Injury Claims
Medical records from another country can help document your injuries and treatment. However, submitting them as evidence in a California court may require additional steps, such as verifying the records and translating documents written in another language.
Under California’s rules for translating foreign-language court exhibits, these exhibits must include an English translation certified under oath by a qualified interpreter.
Your lawyer can review the records and arrange any translations or supporting evidence needed.
You should also ask whether your health, travel, or other insurance covers treatment abroad. California personal injury representation does not guarantee payment of medical bills in another country.
How to Handle Insurance Communications While Traveling
If you already started an insurance claim, hiring a lawyer does not mean starting over. Share your claim number, adjuster messages, submitted documents, and any recorded statements, settlement offers, or signed releases.
Ask whether the firm will respond to adjuster calls, requests for medical records, recorded statements, and settlement offers while you are abroad. Until the lawyer accepts your case, do not assume the firm is managing pending requests or deadlines.
For vehicle accidents, car accident lawyers can review liability insurance, Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, and Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Receiving Settlement Funds While Abroad
If your lawyer receives settlement funds, the firm generally deposits them into a client trust account. The firm provides a written accounting of fees, costs, liens, and your share. If fees or liens are disputed, the firm may need to hold the disputed amount while the issue is resolved.
Ask how the firm can send your funds while you are abroad. Confirm available transfer methods, identity checks, and possible bank fees. Share banking details securely and verify wire instructions using a known firm number.
Have an injury case pending while you travel? Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation. Ask about coordinating insurance requests, appointments, and other time-sensitive tasks.
Deadlines That May Apply Even When You’re Abroad
Different California injury claims have different filing and notice deadlines. Traveling abroad does not automatically extend them.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: Under CCP § 335.1, you generally have two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit.
- Wrongful Death: Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under CCP § 335.1.
- Property Damage: Under CCP § 338, you generally have three years to sue for damage to a vehicle or other property.
- Government Claims: Under Government Code § 911.2, you generally must submit a written claim within six months. This is separate from filing a lawsuit. The agency usually has 45 days to respond. Under § 945.6, you generally must sue within six months after the agency personally delivers or mails a compliant rejection notice. Without that notice, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, subject to exceptions.
- Workers’ Compensation: Injured workers should generally notify their employer within 30 days. Labor Code § 5405 also sets a one-year limit for starting certain benefit proceedings, with different triggering dates and exceptions.
- Uninsured Motorist Claims: Under Insurance Code § 11580.2(i), you generally must preserve your claim within two years of the accident by suing the uninsured driver, agreeing with your insurer on the amount due, or formally demanding arbitration through written notice sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
Minors may have more time to file certain lawsuits under CCP § 352, but government claim deadlines follow different rules. Injured workers may also have separate lawsuits against responsible third parties. Insurance policies may require earlier notice of an accident or claim.
Before traveling, confirm every applicable deadline and who will handle each filing. Insurance negotiations do not automatically extend these deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Managing a California Injury Case While Abroad
How Do Time Zone Differences Affect Court Filing Deadlines?
California court filing deadlines follow California time, not your destination’s time zone. Under CCP § 1010.6, if the court receives an electronic filing before midnight on a court day, the filing generally counts for that day, subject to acceptance.
Before traveling, confirm who will submit each document and check that the court accepts it.
What Should I Do About Evidence in California While I Am Abroad?
Your lawyer can request that businesses, agencies, or other parties preserve relevant records. These may include surveillance footage, photographs, and accident reports.
Send your lawyer any evidence you have. Ask which records the firm still needs and who will request them.
What If My Return Date Changes?
Tell your lawyer as soon as your travel plans change. Ask whether the new dates affect any medical appointments, depositions, or court proceedings. Your attorney can review possible scheduling options and confirm any changes in writing.
Who Pays If I Need to Return to California for My Case?
Travel and other case expenses depend on your written fee agreement and the arrangements made for your case. Ask your lawyer who would pay for required travel, medical examinations, or depositions. A contingency-fee agreement does not automatically cover these costs.
Also ask whether you must repay court costs, translation fees, or other case expenses if your claim does not result in compensation.
Talk to Arash Law About Managing Your Injury Case While Abroad
You can ask about a California injury case while temporarily outside the country. Arash Law offers a free case review to discuss your situation, travel dates, and communication needs. Our team can review possible arrangements for deadlines, document requests, and appointments.
Some legal steps may still require your presence. If we accept your case, we will explain the services and fees in a written agreement.
Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or submit our online contact form for a free case evaluation. Discuss how you can stay informed and involved in your case during temporary international travel.
Sources
- California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1: Two-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=335.1- California Code of Civil Procedure § 338: Three-year filing deadline for lawsuits involving damage to personal property.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=338- California Labor Code § 5405: One-year deadline for starting certain workers’ compensation proceedings, including applicable triggering dates.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=5405- California Insurance Code § 11580.2: Uninsured motorist coverage requirements and the two-year deadline for taking qualifying steps to preserve a claim.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS§ionNum=11580.2- California Code of Civil Procedure § 352: Filing deadline extensions for minors and certain legal disabilities.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=352- California Government Code § 911.2: Six-month deadline for presenting injury claims against public entities.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=911.2- California Government Code § 912.4: Time allowed for public entities to act on government claims.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=912.4- California Government Code § 945.6: Lawsuit deadlines after government claim rejection or lack of required notice.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=945.6- California Civil Code § 1633.5: Agreement required for electronic transactions.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1633.5- California Civil Code § 1633.7: Legal recognition of electronic records and signatures.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1633.7- California Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6: Electronic filing and service requirements, including when filings are considered received.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=1010.6- California Code of Civil Procedure § 367.75: Remote participation in California civil proceedings.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=367.75- California Code of Civil Procedure § 2032.020: Physical and mental examinations in civil litigation.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=2032.020- California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1010: Procedures for depositions by telephone, video conference, or other remote means.
https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_1010- California Rules of Court, Rule 3.672: Remote appearances and proceedings in California civil cases.
https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_672- California Rules of Court, Rule 2.252: General electronic filing requirements and the effect of electronic filing on deadlines. https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/two/rule2_252
- California Business and Professions Code § 6147: Written contingency-fee agreement requirements.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=6147- California State Bar, State Bar Act: Official statutory reference containing attorney fee agreement requirements.
https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/rules/State_Bar_Act.pdf- California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15: Requirements for client trust accounts, written accountings, and distribution of undisputed settlement funds.
https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct/chapter-1-lawyer-client-relationship- California Rules of Court, Rule 3.1110(g): Certified English translations of foreign-language court exhibits.
https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/three/rule3_1110- U.S. Department of State, 7 FAM 910: International judicial assistance and country-specific restrictions on depositions and evidence gathering abroad.
https://fam.state.gov/FAM/07FAM/07FAM0910.html- California Division of Workers’ Compensation, Injured Workers: Reporting workplace injuries promptly and the 30-day notice rule.
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/InjuredWorker.htmDisclaimer
This article provides general information about California personal injury claims. It is not legal advice. The rules governing your claim may differ based on the accident, parties, court procedures, and country where you travel. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a qualified California attorney about your specific circumstances.
