California Car Accident Lawyers
- PAY NOTHING UPFRONT
- OVER $1 BILLION RECOVERED
- ZERO-FEES UNTIL WE WIN
We’ll review what happened and tell you what options may be available.
Or, get LIVE help now — call our free 24-hour accident hotline at (888) 488-1391
Reviewed by: Arash Khorsandi, Esq. | California State Bar #249405 | Law & Insurance Limits Current As Of: August 2026
What California Car Accident Victims Need to Know
- Most California car accident injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years. If a public entity may be involved, a government claim may be required within 6 months.
- California follows pure comparative fault: you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault.
- Minimum insurance limits rose to $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 on January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107, but serious injuries can exceed those limits, and some at-fault drivers may be uninsured.
- You pay nothing unless Arash Law wins your case — call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Arash Law represents injured people throughout California in car accident claims involving negligent drivers, commercial vehicles, rideshare companies, uninsured motorists, and dangerous road conditions. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for injury victims statewide, and we handle all cases on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
Why Clients Trust Arash Law
- Over $1 billion recovered for injured clients throughout California.
- 1,120+ verified Google reviews at 4.8 stars — real clients, real outcomes.
- Selected to Super Lawyers 2026, recognized by Avvo, and featured in Lawyer Monthly Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys 2026
- No fee unless we win — no upfront attorney fee.
Key Facts About California Car Accident Claims
- California’s minimum auto insurance liability limits are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107 (Vehicle Code §16056). Serious injuries can exceed minimum liability limits, and some at-fault drivers may be uninsured.
- California follows pure comparative fault, meaning an injured person may still recover compensation even if they share some blame. Recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault, not eliminated. Proposition 213 (Civil Code §3333.4) may limit certain non-economic damages available to an uninsured driver in some circumstances, but exceptions may apply.
- California car accident deadlines vary by claim type:
- Personal injury lawsuits: Must be filed within 2 years of the crash date (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1).
- Property damage lawsuits: Must be filed within 3 years of the crash date (CCP §338).
- Claims against a government agency: A formal government claim must be presented within 6 months under Government Code §911.2. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery against the public entity, even if private-party claims remain available.
- California Vehicle Code §16000 requires any driver involved in a crash causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using Form SR-1. Failure to file can affect driving privileges and financial responsibility standing with the DMV.
- Evidence can disappear quickly after a California car accident. Surveillance systems may overwrite footage within days. Vehicle event data recorder (EDR) information can be lost if the car is repaired or totaled before data is preserved. Consulting a car accident lawyer promptly can help secure critical evidence.
- According to the 2025 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Fact Sheets (UC Berkeley SafeTREC (Speeding) / SafeTREC (Alcohol)), speeding was involved in 32 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in California in 2023. Alcohol-involved crashes accounted for 1,355 fatalities in California that same year.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
California Car Accident Claim — Quick Reference
| Issue | California Rule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum liability (post-Jan 1, 2025) | $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 — SB 1107 (Vehicle Code §16056) | Serious injuries can exceed minimum liability limits, and some at-fault drivers may be uninsured. |
| Personal injury deadline | 2 years from crash date (CCP §335.1) | Missing it may permanently bar the lawsuit. |
| Property damage deadline | 3 years from the crash date (CCP §338) | Separate from the injury deadline. |
| Government entity claim | 6 months from incident (Gov. Code §911.2) | Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery against the public entity, even if private-party claims remain available. |
| DMV accident report (SR-1) | Within 10 days if there is injury, death, or damage >$1,000 (Vehicle Code §16000) | Affects driving privileges if not filed. |
| Fault standard | Pure comparative fault — recovery possible even with shared fault | Proposition 213 may affect certain uninsured-driver claims, but exceptions may apply. |
⚠️ California Deadline Alert: Most car accident injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the crash. If a city, county, or state agency may be involved, a separate government claim may be required within 6 months. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery against the public entity, even if private-party claims remain available. If you are unsure whether a deadline has passed or is approaching, contact Arash Law as soon as possible.
If any of the above applies to your situation, Arash Law can review your case at no cost. Call (888) 488-1391. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free case evaluation. No fee unless we win. Hablamos español.
Case Results for Car Accident Claims in California
The results below reflect vehicle accident and injury cases handled by Arash Law attorneys throughout California, including claims involving negligent drivers, commercial vehicles, government road conditions, and insurance disputes.
$17,900,000: After years of litigation, our attorneys achieved a unanimous verdict against the County of Los Angeles for two clients injured in a serious crash. The jury found the County entirely at fault and returned its verdict in 90 minutes.
$8,800,000: A company van driver’s speeding caused our client’s severe injuries. Multiple depositions shifted the trajectory of the case. Our client’s closure and well-being guided every decision throughout the litigation.
$6,000,000: Our client was driving with his family when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that killed his loving wife and mother. Defense attorneys disputed coverage and liability. We obtained the maximum available policy limits.
$5,250,000: Our client was left a paraplegic after being struck by an inattentive driver. We resolved the case for the full $5.25 million policy limit and also secured additional workers’ compensation benefits because our client was working at the time of the crash.
$3,500,000: Our client, who stopped at a red light, was rear-ended by a distracted driver, causing severe spinal injuries requiring surgery. The case settled three days before the trial was scheduled to begin.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on the unique facts of each case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Our California car accident attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for injured clients statewide. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation, or submit the form below. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How Comparative Fault Works in California Car Accident Claims
California follows pure comparative fault, meaning responsibility for a crash can be divided among everyone involved. Their percentage of fault reduces an injured person’s compensation, but it does not eliminate it.
Read our full guide to shared fault in California car accident claims.
How Contingency Fees Work for California Car Accident Lawyers
Arash Law handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. Under California Business and Professions Code §6147, the fee agreement must be in writing, and the percentage must be disclosed before representation begins.
See our guide to California car accident lawyer fees.
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
Seek medical attention even if you feel unhurt because adrenaline can mask symptoms. Call the police and obtain a report number. Photograph vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect witness contact information. Report the crash to the DMV within 10 days if required under Vehicle Code §16000. Consider speaking with a lawyer before providing a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster. They represent the insurer’s interests, not yours.
Review our step-by-step guide on what to do after a crash.
How Does Insurance Coverage Affect a California Car Accident Claim
California is an at-fault state. As of January 1, 2025, minimum required liability coverage is $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 under Vehicle Code §16056 (Senate Bill 1107). When liability coverage is insufficient, UM coverage may apply if it is included in the policy when the at-fault driver has no insurance. UIM coverage may apply when the at-fault driver’s bodily injury limits are lower than the insured’s UIM limits, and the applicable liability limits have been exhausted. MedPay, if purchased, may cover eligible medical expenses regardless of fault.
What Damages May Be Available After a California Car Accident
California car accident victims may pursue economic damages (past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring). In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure §377.60. Loss of consortium may be available for spouses or domestic partners when injuries are severe.
Read more about recoverable damages in California car accident claims.
How Much Is My California Car Accident Case Worth
No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome or settlement amount. Key factors include: severity and permanence of injuries; clarity of fault and strength of evidence; available insurance coverage (at-fault driver’s policy, your own UM/UIM, umbrella, commercial, or rideshare tiers); economic damages calculated from medical records and expert projections; non-economic damages based on the nature and duration of your suffering; and whether litigation is required. Arash Law evaluates all of these factors during your free case evaluation. Call (888) 488-1391 to discuss what the specific facts of your case may support.
How to Prove Fault in a California Car Accident
Establishing fault requires proving four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow California traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The driver failed through speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, running a red light, or another violation.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the crash and the resulting injuries.
- Damages: The injured person suffered compensable harm: physical injuries, financial losses, or both.
How Arash Law Investigates a California Car Accident Case
After Arash Law is retained, the firm works to preserve evidence and build the case before critical information is lost. Depending on the facts and urgency of each case, the team may:
- Seek preservation of the vehicle event data recorder (EDR) data before the vehicle is repaired, totaled, or transferred.
- Issue evidence-preservation letters to businesses, municipalities, and rideshare companies holding surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, or GPS data.
- Engage accident reconstruction specialists when liability is disputed, or the crash involved a commercial vehicle, or government road conditions.
- Request complete insurance information and identify all potentially liable parties beyond the driver.
- Coordinate with treating physicians to document the causation of the injury from the outset.
Some insurers use internal claim-valuation software and scoring systems to evaluate injury claims. Arash Law prepares evidence-based demand packages that document liability, medical treatment, imaging findings, vocational impact, future care needs, and other damages supported by the full facts of the case. This gives adjusters a complete picture that goes beyond what automated scoring provides.
When Should You Call a California Car Accident Lawyer
Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible when any of the following apply:
- You or a passenger sustained injuries, even if they seem minor. Soft tissue damage, concussions, and spinal injuries frequently have a delayed onset.
- The at-fault driver disputes liability, or the police report does not reflect what actually happened.
- The at-fault driver has no insurance or limits that appear insufficient for your injuries.
- A government vehicle or road condition may have contributed to the crash.
- A rideshare company or commercial vehicle was involved.
- An insurance adjuster has already contacted you and requested a recorded statement or proposed a settlement.
- You are unsure about deadlines, since the government claims deadlines can be as short as 6 months.
Who Can File a Car Accident Claim in California
- Injured Drivers and Passengers: those in a vehicle struck by a negligent driver.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: those struck by negligent drivers on California roads.
- Surviving Family Members: those pursuing wrongful death claims when a crash results in a fatality (CCP §377.60).
- Spouses Or Domestic Partners: those seeking loss of consortium in cases involving serious, permanent injury.
- Rideshare Passengers: those injured during an Uber or Lyft trip, regardless of which driver was at fault.
- Uninsured And Underinsured Motorist Claimants: those whose own UM/UIM coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has no or insufficient coverage.
Who May Be Liable in a California Car Accident
- The At-Fault Driver: The individual whose negligence caused the crash.
- The Vehicle Owner: Vehicle Code §17150 holds owners liable for damages caused by drivers using the vehicle with their permission.
- An Employer: If the driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash.
- A Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect contributed to the accident.
- A Government Agency: If road design, missing signage, or deferred maintenance contributed, a 6-month government claim deadline applies.
- A Rideshare Company: Depending on the driver’s app status and the applicable coverage tier.
Common Injuries in California Car Accidents
- Back, Neck, and Spinal Injuries: They may include disc herniations, whiplash, and spinal cord injuries with permanent effects on mobility.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Symptoms, including headaches, cognitive changes, and emotional dysregulation, may not appear until hours or days after the crash.
- Broken and Fractured Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding; symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions that may not appear on initial imaging.
- Psychological Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, which may be compensable as non-economic damages depending on the facts.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle Throughout California
- Rear-End Collisions: Commonly reported crashes that often cause cervical and lumbar injuries.
- Head-On Collisions: Often severe crashes that can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: Common at California intersections when a driver fails to yield.
- Hit-And-Run Accidents: They require identification of available UM coverage and potentially additional parties.
- Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft trips with coverage tiers that vary by driver app activity.
- Drunk and Impaired Driving Accidents: May support punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
- Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents: Multiple potentially liable parties and commercial insurance structures.
- Government Road Condition Crashes: Caltrans, city, or county liability with a 6-month filing deadline.
- Fatal Car Accidents: Wrongful death claims for surviving family members under CCP §377.60.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Car Accident Claims
How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Claim In California?
California car accident injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the crash date under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Property damage only claims have a 3-year deadline. When a government agency may have contributed, a government claim must be filed within 6 months under Government Code §911.2. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery against the public entity, even if private-party claims remain available. Timing requirements and exceptions may vary — speak with a California attorney as early as possible.
Is It Worth Getting A Lawyer After A Minor Car Accident?
Speaking with a California car accident lawyer after a minor crash is recommended because soft tissue damage, whiplash, and concussions can have a delayed onset and may not appear on initial imaging. Early insurance settlements frequently do not account for future medical needs or ongoing treatment.
What Are Typical Lawyer Fees For A California Car Accident Case?
Arash Law handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t collect attorneys’ fees unless compensation is recovered. Under California Business and Professions Code §6147, the fee agreement must be in writing, and the percentage must be disclosed before representation begins.
Do I Have A Case If The Accident Was Partly My Fault?
California applies pure comparative fault to car accidents, meaning your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but not eliminated. An Arash Law attorney can explain how California’s fault rules apply to your specific situation.
What If The Insurance Company Already Contacted Me?
Consider speaking with a lawyer before providing a recorded statement or accepting a settlement. Adjusters represent the insurer’s interests, not yours. Some carriers use internal scoring systems that produce low initial offers without fully accounting for the impact of injury.
How Much Is A Car Accident Settlement Worth In California?
California car accident settlement values vary based on injury severity, fault clarity, available insurance coverage, documented economic losses, and non-economic damages. There is no average settlement figure that applies to all cases. The specific facts of your crash, your injuries, and the available coverage determine what may be recoverable.
What If I Did Not Go To The Hospital Right Away?
Not going to the hospital immediately does not automatically mean you do not have a case. Soft tissue injuries, back injuries, and concussions can have delayed onset. What matters is whether the accident caused your injuries and whether medical records connect those injuries to the crash.
What If The At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
California requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which may be available on your own policy when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the limits are insufficient. In some cases, other parties, like the vehicle owner, an employer, or a government agency, may also share liability.
California Car Accident Lawyers Serving Clients Statewide
Arash Law handles car accident cases throughout California. Los Angeles | San Francisco | San Diego, and communities throughout Northern and Southern California.
For wrongful death claims arising from a fatal car accident, visit our California wrongful death practice area page.
Contact A California Car Accident Lawyer — Free Case Evaluation
Arash Law represents injured people throughout California in car accident claims. We can review what happened, explain your options under California law, and handle the insurance and legal process if we take your case. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for injured clients statewide.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No fee unless we win. Hablamos español.
(No guarantee of outcome. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The outcome of any particular case depends on the specific facts and circumstances of that case. Every case is different.)
