California Car Accident Lawyers
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Our California Car Accident Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support After An Injury
A car accident in California can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, pain, and car repairs. Our California car accident lawyers help you seek compensation for your losses. We represent clients in crashes involving uninsured drivers, rideshares, wrongful death, distracted driving, and serious injuries like brain or spine damage. Call (888) 488-1391 for your free initial consultation.
If you sustained injuries in a California car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance claims, and legal paperwork. You do not have to handle it alone. Our California car accident lawyers assist injured clients in pursuing compensation for their damages and navigating complex claims.
California roads experience heavy traffic daily, contributing to numerous preventable crashes. According to research, 94% of accidents are caused by human error. At Arash Law, we investigate every detail of your accident and tailor legal strategies to your situation.
The earlier you speak with a lawyer, the easier it is to gather evidence, preserve your claim, and avoid common mistakes that may hurt your case.
How Our California Car Accident Lawyers Build A Well-Supported Case
After a crash, it can be hard to know where to start. We handle the legal process so you can focus on getting better.
Here’s how we support your case:
- We Investigate the Accident — We collect police reports, review crash scene evidence, interview witnesses, and may visit the location ourselves. Our legal team preserves key evidence and tracks your medical records and bills. We also work with independent experts, like accident reconstruction specialists, to support your claim.
- We Calculate Your Damages — Accidents often cost more than you expect. We help identify all losses tied to your injuries, including:
- Medical bills for past, ongoing, and future care.
- Lost income and work benefits from missed work or disability.
- Car repair or replacement costs.
- Pain, emotional distress, and daily disruptions.
- Strained personal relationships.
- Reduced quality of life and limited activities.
Pain and suffering compensation considers how your injuries affect your daily life, emotional well-being, and ability to enjoy activities. Medical records and expert opinions help determine a fair amount. We take the time to document every loss to help your claim account for the full impact of the accident.
- We Deal with Insurance Companies — An insurer may try to resolve a claim for the lowest possible amount. They may question your injuries or offer a quick settlement. We handle all communication, paperwork, and negotiations carefully so we don’t overlook anything.
If an insurance company delays or denies your claim without a valid reason, we can also review whether their actions may amount to bad faith under California law.
If clients have concerns about paying for medical care while their claim is pending, we can discuss how treatment on a medical lien basis works.
Why Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers In California
Searching for experienced “accident lawyers near me?” When you work with Arash Law, you work with a team built for complex personal injury cases in California. Our firm brings the following to the table:
- We understand how California law and insurance rules apply to your case.
- We’ve handled car accident claims for Californians statewide for decades.
- Our California-based team is familiar with the local courts, doctors, and investigators who play a role in these cases.
- We have the resources to handle complex situations, including cases with multiple parties or serious injuries.
- We keep you informed and explain your legal options clearly at every stage.
- We know how to navigate legal and insurance challenges that can come up in serious accident claims.
We handle different car accident cases, even when the crash involves complicated facts or more than one driver. We focus on the evidence and follow California law to build your claim.
Common Types Of Car Accidents Our California Attorneys Handle
Our California lawyers have handled a wide range of car accident cases, from minor fender benders to severe incidents, such as rollovers. We take a meticulous approach to providing clients with legal representation, going beyond the surface to uncover details that support their case.
Our California lawyers for car accidents have experience handling injury cases involving the following types of car crashes:
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is one of the leading causes of serious crashes in California. In 2021, there were 4,285 traffic deaths in the state, and 1,509 were speeding-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). California law prohibits driving faster than what is safe for the current conditions. Under the state’s Basic Speed Law, drivers must adjust their speed based on weather, traffic, visibility, and road conditions. Failing to do so increases the risk of serious accidents and injuries.
Side-Impact Collisions
A side-impact collision happens when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These crashes are especially dangerous because cars offer far less protection on the sides than at the front or rear. They often occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield at stop signs or red lights.
Side-impact crashes can cause severe injuries that demand costly medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Families often face overwhelming expenses and financial strain while trying to cover these critical healthcare needs. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a side-impact collision, a car wreck lawyer in California can help protect your rights, pursue compensation, and guide you through the recovery process.
Fatal Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents are grave tragedies that impact the lives of so many people. Our car accident lawyers in California understand the intricacies involved in handling these complex and emotionally charged cases. Although a wrongful death lawsuit cannot reverse your loss, it is a small step toward holding negligent people accountable. Family members of a deceased victim may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related expenses
Head-On Collisions
The car accident attorneys from our firm are experienced in handling head-on car collisions in California. A head-on accident is defined as the front end of any two vehicles hitting each other. This type of crash happens mainly at traffic lights, stop signs, blind intersections, and on freeways.
Head-on crashes at intersections occur when drivers disregard traffic laws and signals, such as red lights, stop signs, or yield signs. Freeway head-on collisions usually happen when drivers enter the wrong way on on-ramps or off-ramps, sometimes due to intoxication or drug use.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are common and often result in severe injuries because the driver being hit has no warning. These crashes frequently lead to whiplash and other neck or back injuries. In more severe cases, such as when a smaller, fast-moving vehicle slides underneath a large truck, rear-end collisions can even be fatal.
Intersection Accidents
Our car accident law firm has helped numerous clients injured in collisions involving cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks at intersections. These accidents often result from driver negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding through red lights. Severe injuries can lead to extensive medical bills and special care needs. Our California car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims pursue their damages.
Hit-And-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without reporting it or exchanging information. This can also involve pedestrians or cyclists. Often, drivers flee to avoid responsibility if they are uninsured or intoxicated. Law enforcement uses witness accounts, debris analysis, and traffic camera footage to identify the driver. If you’ve been harmed by a fleeing driver, our hit-and-run car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become a popular and convenient way to travel. Compared to traditional taxis, they’re usually less expensive and convenient. However, one question remains: what happens if you are injured in an Uber crash or a Lyft accident?
Ridesharing companies provide insurance coverage for drivers when they are logged into the app. However, the type and extent of coverage can vary depending on the situation (e.g., actively waiting for a ride request, driving to pick up a passenger, etc.).
The claims process can be complicated and time-consuming, particularly when disputes arise over liability. Consult our California car accident lawyers, who also handle rideshare injury cases, for clear guidance.
Elderly-Related Car Accidents
Car accidents can be particularly dangerous for seniors. According to the NSC, adults over the age of 75 have the highest fatality rate in motor vehicle collisions. With age comes a natural decrease in bone density and organ function. This vulnerability makes even seemingly minor collisions more likely to result in serious injuries.
Injured seniors tend to take longer to heal than young, healthy adults. Some elderly people may never fully recover, depending on the circumstances of the accident. In the worst-case scenario, their injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical bills.
A common dispute in cases involving an elderly driver is a claim that the injury was caused by a pre-existing condition rather than the accident. Our California car accident lawyers can review medical records to establish a clear timeline of the victim’s health before the accident. They can gather witness statements and police reports and work with medical experts to build a counterclaim in your favor.
Accidents Involving Driverless Vehicles
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), hold immense potential to transform the transportation industry. The development of self-driving vehicles by businesses like Tesla and Google promises to improve road safety and efficiency.
However, the testing and development phase raises concerns about their readiness for public use. Several fatalities and injuries have been linked to collisions with driverless cars. There are also reports of test vehicles spontaneously combusting while they were parked.
One of the biggest issues in claims involving driverless cars is determining liability. Was the accident caused by a malfunction of the self-driving system, a programming error, or the human driver failing to take control when necessary? Our car accident lawyers in California can help you dissect the evidence to establish liability for these types of accidents.
Rain-Related Car Accidents
When it rains, California roads often witness trucks in ditches, cars in highway pileups, T-bone collisions at intersections, and rear-end incidents at traffic stops. Driving on a rainy day is already risky, but some commuters make matters worse by driving recklessly, getting distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence. These actions significantly increase the risk of rain-related accidents.
In California, renowned for its sunny climate, rainfall is a seasonal occurrence typically observed between October and March and eagerly anticipated by residents as a distinctive feature of the state, especially in the north. During this time, driving on wet and slippery roads can pose considerable challenges, especially for drivers unaccustomed to such hazardous conditions. The combination of rain or snow and slick surfaces greatly hampers a driver’s control of their vehicle, leading to difficulties in maneuvering.
If you’re injured in a rain-related accident, our California car accident lawyers can help you assess who’s at fault and pursue compensation for your damages.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Common Questions After A California Car Accident
You may have questions about how California law works, what insurance covers, and what steps apply to your situation. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people after an accident.
How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Claim In California?
In California, strict time limits apply if you want to file a lawsuit after a car accident. This is called the statute of limitations.
- In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
- If the accident caused a death, the clock usually starts on the date of your loved one’s passing.
- You typically have three years from the accident date for property damage claims, such as vehicle repairs.
There are some exceptions. For example, the deadline may be extended if you were under 18 at the time of the accident. If a government agency is responsible, much shorter deadlines apply, sometimes as little as six months.
Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case is. The sooner everything is reviewed and organized, the better your chances of avoiding delays or problems later in the process.
Even if you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, a lawyer can review your situation and explain your legal options. Many people have a case, even if they share some fault or were unsure at first.
Can Dashcam Footage Be Used As Evidence In A Car Accident Case In California?
Yes, dashcam video can serve as proof in a car accident case. We review it to help understand how the crash happened and who may be at fault. In California, dashcams are allowed if installed in approved spots that don’t block the driver’s view. Insurance companies may also consider it when reviewing your claim. If you have footage, we can review it and explain how it may help your case.
Who Pays For An Accident When An Uninsured Driver Is Involved?
If the other driver has no insurance, you may still get paid through your uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2023, 20% of California drivers had no insurance, higher than the national average of 15%.
UM/UIM helps cover your medical bills and other losses when the at-fault driver is unable to. Suing uninsured drivers often doesn’t help because many don’t have the money to pay. We can check your coverage and explain your options.
Can You Sue A Minor For Causing Your Car Accident In California?
In general, a person under 18 cannot participate in litigation. If you want to take legal action against a minor, you usually file a lawsuit against their parent or guardian. Parents may be liable in these situations:
- Parental Liability — This occurs when a parent’s actions or inaction help their child cause harm. For instance, if a parent knowingly lets their underage child drive, they could be liable for any accidents.
- Negligence By The Young Driver — Licensed teens must drive safely and follow traffic rules, just like adults. When assessing their actions in an accident, the court looks at their age and experience.
- Willful Misconduct — If a minor intentionally did something they knew was likely to cause harm, such as purposely crashing into another car or driving recklessly on purpose.
During the investigation, our car accident lawyers can help establish a timeline of events and analyze the driver’s behavior to determine if the minor driver breached their duty of care.
After A Car Accident, Will I Have To Go To Court?
Most car accident cases settle before trial, but some may still go to court. If that happens, there may be hearings before trial to handle scheduling or disagreements about evidence. You usually won’t need to speak at these hearings. If your case goes to trial, we will explain each step so you know what to expect.
How Do I File An Insurance Claim For My Car Accident?
You can file a claim by contacting the insurance company and providing details about the accident, your injuries, and vehicle damage. However, even small mistakes in what you say or how you fill out forms may affect your claim. Working with a lawyer can help you gather the right paperwork, organize documents, and handle communication with the insurance company to reduce the risk of delays or disputes.
Is It Worth Getting A Lawyer After A Minor Car Accident?
Even minor crashes can lead to injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Some problems, such as back pain or soft tissue injuries, may not appear for days or weeks. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly before the full cost of treatment is clear.
A lawyer helps you document your injuries, track medical care, and include any future expenses in your claim. Legal help also makes it easier to deal with the insurance company, gather the right evidence, and avoid mistakes that could affect who is held responsible for the crash.
What Are Most Lawyer Fees For A Car Accident?
The total cost largely depends on the specifics of your case, as every accident is unique. We handle cases on a contingency fee arrangement. We only collect an attorney’s fee if we win your case, but it’s important to understand that clients may be responsible for case-related expenses. When you reach out to us, we’ll take the time to review your case and explain everything clearly, so you know exactly what to expect.
When Specifically Should I Speak To A Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
It’s often a good idea to speak with a lawyer once your medical condition is stable. Insurance companies usually start collecting information soon after the crash, and having legal guidance early can help you avoid mistakes that may affect your claim. You don’t need to wait until the end of your treatment to see their results. Many people continue to receive care while their lawyer reviews the case, explains the legal process, and assists with the next steps.
What If I Have A Pre-Existing Condition Prior To A Car Accident?
Car accidents can get more complicated if you already had health problems before the crash. These may include old injuries, chronic illnesses, or any medical issues you had before the accident.
California uses the “eggshell skull” rule. Under this doctrine, the at-fault driver is still responsible for all your injuries, even if your pre-existing condition worsens the injuries. Even with existing health issues, you may still qualify for compensation if the accident caused further harm.
It’s important to tell your car accident lawyer about any pre-existing conditions. Hiding this information can make it harder to prove your claim.
What Documents Do I Need To Reimburse Medical Expenses?
Medical bills after a car accident can quickly add up. If someone else caused the crash, their insurance may cover these costs. You’ll need certain documents to support your claim and show your medical expenses:
- Bills and invoices for ambulance rides, emergency care, tests, and medications.
- Medical reports, like test results, scans, and injury photos.
- Treatment plans that show your recovery process, including physical therapy or ongoing care.
A California car accident lawyer can help collect and organize these records for your claim.
How Are My Lost Wages Reimbursed?
A car accident injury can force you to miss work and lose income. You may be able to seek compensation for these losses through a personal injury claim.
To calculate lost income, a car accident attorney in California may look at:
- Time missed while recovering or getting medical care.
- Time missed for doctor visits or treatments.
- Lost work benefits.
- Future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work.
To prove lost wages, you may need documents like:
- Pay stubs or salary records.
- A written statement from your employer.
- Medical reports showing why you couldn’t work.
- Recent tax returns.
If you have the necessary documents, your lawyer can assist in filing a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your lost income.
What Happens If You Don’t Report An Accident In California?
An attorney can help you report the accident properly, gather the right documents, and meet legal deadlines. In California, you must report any accident that involves:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage over $1,000
You need to:
- File a report with the California Highway Patrol within 24 hours.
- Submit an SR-1 form to the DMV within 10 days.
If you don’t report the accident, you may face:
- Fines
- License suspension
- Misdemeanor charges
Failing to report can also make it more difficult to file an insurance claim or receive compensation. Even for minor crashes, reporting creates a record that helps protect your rights.
Can I File A Claim Without A Police Report?
Yes. You can still file a claim because the police report isn’t required to start the process. Other evidence can help show what happened, such as:
- Photos from the scene
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage reports
A police report can still be helpful because it includes the officer’s notes, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer’s view of who caused the crash.
How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take In California?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the case. Some claims may settle in a few weeks, while others may take months or longer.
Working with a car accident lawyer in California can help streamline your case and address any potential challenges along the way.
Here’s how the process usually works:
- Medical Treatment and Recovery — While you can start your claim right away, it’s often recommended to wait until your medical condition has stabilized or your doctors have a clear plan for your future care. This allows your lawyer to take both current and future expenses into account when building your case.
- Investigation — Evidence is collected, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and insurance information.
- Demand Letter — Once treatment is complete or future costs are clear, your lawyer sends a demand to the insurance company explaining your injuries and the amount you seek.
- Negotiation — Both sides may exchange offers and counteroffers to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
- Settlement or Lawsuit — If both sides agree, the case settles. If not, your lawyer may file a lawsuit.
- Mediation — Before trial, both sides may meet with a neutral person to try to settle.
- Trial (If Needed) — If parties don’t agree, a judge or jury decides the case. Most cases settle before trial.
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
The amount you may receive depends on many factors. A California auto accident lawyer can help review your case and explain how these factors may apply.
Some of the key things that affect your settlement include:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The medical care you need now and in the future.
- How much work you’ve missed and the income you’ve lost.
- Damage to your vehicle.
- The strength of the evidence in your case.
- Insurance coverage limits.
- Whether your case settles or goes to trial.
Should I Hire California Car Accident Lawyers To Settle My Case?
You’re allowed to handle your claim on your own, but the process can be stressful. Insurance companies look for ways to pay less, and it’s easy to miss important details if you’re unfamiliar with the system. A California car accident attorney helps gather the right documents, handles the insurance company, and keeps everything on track.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In California
Car accidents happen in many ways. Rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, rollovers, side impacts, hit-and-runs, and rideshare accidents are just some examples.
Crashes may happen due to:
Speeding
Speeding under normal circumstances or driving too fast in poor weather conditions can be deadly. This aggressive behavior is one of the primary culprits behind traffic fatalities in the state.
Aggressive Driving
In addition to speeding, behaviors like weaving through traffic and tailgating are common signs of aggressive driving. Road rage, a particularly dangerous form of aggressive driving, involves threats, obscene gestures, and even attempts to ram other vehicles. Uncontrollable anger can cloud judgment and lead to reckless driving behaviors that put anyone on the road at risk.
Distracted Driving
Distractions are particularly dangerous because they divert the driver’s attention away from the road, the consequences of which can be severe. Even a few seconds of distracted driving can mean missing a crucial traffic signal or failing to react in time to avoid an obstacle.
Texting while driving, for example, is a significant breach of the driver’s duty of care and can constitute negligence on a legal level. It is an unlawful act in California that can result in someone else’s serious injury or death.
Chapter 12 Section 23123.5 of the California Vehicle Code has three provisions regarding cell phone use:
- No Handheld Cell Phones — No driver may use a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle to make calls or for any other reason. This law applies to all persons driving in California, regardless of whether they live in the state or not.
- No Hands-Free Cell Phones for Drivers Under the Age of 18 — Drivers 18 and older may use hands-free devices or speakerphones as long as any earpieces do not cover both ears. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using handheld or hands-free devices.
- No Texting and Driving — There is a separate law that bans texting, emailing, social media, and any other use of a wireless device while driving.
The only exceptions to these laws are if the driver is making an emergency phone call, operating a vehicle on private property, or is an emergency service professional. The law does not apply to factory-installed devices within the vehicle.
Texting and driving kills! If you have reason to believe another driver was illegally using a cell phone behind the wheel, speak to one of our California car accident lawyers. The investigative team at our firm can gather phone records as evidence for your case if you believe the at-fault driver was using a cell phone illegally while driving.
Other common distractions include:
- Eating
- Talking to a passenger
- Tending to children in the back seat
- Switching radio stations
- Looking for something that fell on the floorboard
- Applying makeup
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most flagrant acts of recklessness a driver can commit. Despite knowing the dangers, thousands of drivers every year operate their vehicles after drinking alcohol.
According to the NHTSA, an average of 37 people lose their lives every single day in drunk driving accidents. That’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2021 alone, there were over 13,384 fatalities, a 14% increase from the previous year.
If an intoxicated driver caused your accident, resulting in serious injuries or the death of a loved one, contact our dedicated California car accident lawyers. Police likely conducted alcohol tests following the collision, and eyewitnesses may have seen the driver drinking or driving erratically. Our lawyers can use this evidence to prove the other driver’s intoxication or inability to drive safely. Initial consultations are always free and confidential, with no obligation to sign.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsiness, just like intoxication, impairs critical driving skills. Reaction times slow down, and judgment becomes clouded. Microsleeps, or brief moments of unconsciousness lasting a few seconds, can cause a driver to travel hundreds of feet without being aware of their actions.
Drivers should be well-rested before getting behind the wheel. They should also recognize the warning signs of fatigue, such as heavy eyelids, difficulty focusing, and frequent yawning. If drowsiness sets in, pull over for a nap or switch drivers.
Hurt In
A Car Accident?
Common Injuries In Car Accidents
No matter how the crash happens, the injuries can disrupt your life and affect your personal injury claim. Some of the injuries we often see in car accident cases include:
- Cuts, Bruises, and Scarring — These are some of the most common injuries after car accidents. Often, victims suffer cuts or wounds due to shattered glass, broken plastic parts, and metal fragments from vehicles.
- Back, Neck, and Spinal Injuries — Spinal cord and back injuries are some of the most significant effects of car accidents. Depending on the severity of the crash, a spinal cord injury can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Fractured Bones — Fractured and broken bones are among the most severe car crash injuries. Arms and legs are especially vulnerable due to exposure. Ribs can crack under seatbelt pressure, and facial fractures (nose, jaw, cheekbones) can result from impacts with airbags or dashboards.
- Soft Tissue Damage — Typically, tissue damage is not immediately apparent after a collision, which is why accident victims should seek medical attention to diagnose this type of injury.
- Internal Injuries — The force of a collision can rupture organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys, and cause lung collapse from rib fractures. Blunt force trauma can damage the intestines. Internal injury symptoms, often subtle and delayed, include bruising, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, and difficulty breathing.
- Head and Brain Trauma — Concussions, the most common type of brain injury from car accidents, occur when the brain is jostled violently within the skull. More severe conditions involve internal bleeding or bruising of brain tissue. These injuries can cause a range of symptoms, including slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a coma.
- Burn Injuries — Car crashes are also likely to result in burn injuries due to hot metal vehicle parts, fires, and explosions.
- Amputations — Limb loss, though rare in car accidents, can occur in severe crashes. Amputations may result directly from the collision or be medically necessary due to severe tissue damage or uncontrolled bleeding. It is one of the most traumatic and painful injuries, often leading to severe complications.
Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to long-term problems, lost income, or ongoing medical care. A California car accident lawyer can help you document these injuries, calculate how they affect your claim, and address any concerns as your case moves forward. For serious injuries that require future care, we collaborate with doctors and experts to estimate long-term medical costs. Insurance companies may question whether all injuries are accident-related, so having clear medical records and doctor reports is important to support your claim.
Sadly, many of these crashes result in deaths. For example, data from the National Safety Council shows that in 2023, roughly 120 people died each day in car accidents. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim may help ease the financial burden and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Special Situations That May Affect Your California Car Accident Claim
Some crashes involve unique situations that can complicate your claim.
- Self-Driving Vehicles — If your accident involved a self-driving car, figuring out who’s responsible can be tricky. Sometimes it’s the technology, the company behind it, and sometimes the person who was supposed to take control. Manufacturers build these cars to improve safety, but tests have reported crashes and system failures. We would need to look closely at how the system worked at the time to understand what caused the crash.
- Rain-Related Accidents — If your crash happened in the rain, you’re not alone. Many drivers in California aren’t accustomed to driving on wet roads, and slippery streets can make it easy to lose control. Some drivers also make poor choices by driving too fast, failing to pay attention, or not slowing down for the conditions. Most rain-related crashes occur during the rainy season, which typically spans from October to March.
- Medical Emergencies While Driving — If the other driver has a medical issue, such as a heart attack or seizure, it can complicate the case. In some situations, drivers may still be held responsible if they were aware of the condition and chose to drive anyway. These cases often require a closer look at the driver’s medical history and whether the crash was preventable.
How To Prove Liability In California Car Accident Claims
If you suffered injuries in a crash, a California car accident lawyer can help you identify who was responsible and build your claim for compensation. We call this process establishing liability.
In most cases, negligence forms the basis for liability. To prove this, the following four elements must exist:
- Duty of Care — The driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty — The driver failed to meet that responsibility, such as by speeding, texting, or driving under the influence.
- Causation — The unsafe behavior directly caused the accident.
- Damages — You suffered injuries, financial losses, or other harm as a result.
While negligence is the most common basis for car accident claims, some cases involve additional legal issues. Depending on the facts, other types of liability may apply:
- Product Liability — If a faulty part, like bad brakes or tires, caused the crash, the manufacturer or repair shop may be held responsible.
- Vicarious Liability — An employer may be responsible if an employee causes an accident while driving for work.
- Premises or Roadway Liability — Government agencies or contractors may be responsible if unsafe roads, poor maintenance, or construction hazards contributed to the crash.
- Strict Liability — In certain situations, specific parties may be held responsible even without proof of negligence, such as for engaging in hazardous activities or owning unsecured animals.
Even with pre-existing conditions, we work to show how the accident worsened your condition to support your claim fully.
California uses a pure comparative fault system. If you were partly at fault, you can still get compensation. The percentage of fault assigned to you reduces the amount you receive.
Evidence, like police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and medical records, can help prove who was responsible.
What To Do After A Car Accident In California
If you are recovering from a car crash and are unsure what to do next, know that there are still important steps you can take to protect your health and your claim.
Here are the recommended steps to take:
- Continue Medical Care — Keep all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Some injuries may take time to fully diagnose or treat. Medical records from these visits will help support your claim.
- Gather Accident Information — Collect anything you already have from the accident, such as police reports, photos, medical bills, repair estimates, and contact information for any witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company — Make sure your insurance company knows about the accident. Keep your statements simple and stick to the facts.
- Keep Track of Expenses — Hold on to receipts and records for medical care, prescriptions, vehicle repairs, and any time missed from work. These can all become part of your claim.
- Avoid Speaking With The Other Driver’s Insurance Company — If their insurer contacts you, be careful. You don’t have to give a recorded statement or sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
- Talk To A California Car Accident Lawyer — Every car accident leaves questions about medical care, insurance, paperwork, and what happens next. You do not have to sort it out on your own. A California car accident lawyer can help you get answers, understand your options, and guide you through the process, no matter where you are in your recovery.
California Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents remain a serious problem across California. The numbers help show just how often these crashes happen and how many lives they affect.
In 2021, California saw a sharp rise in traffic deaths:
- NHTSA data show there were 4,285 traffic-related deaths, which was a 7.6% increase from 2020.
- Alcohol played a role in 1,370 deaths, which was a 16% increase from the year before.
- Drug-related traffic deaths dropped by 41.4%, with 751 reported in 2021, according to UC Berkeley SafeTREC data.
Distracted driving continues to be a growing problem:
- SafeTREC further shows there were 140 fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2021. That was a 27.3% increase from the previous year.
Some groups face higher risks than others:
- Older adults are especially vulnerable. In 2021, 604 drivers aged 65 and older were killed in crashes. That group made up 14% of all motor vehicle deaths in California.
Some California roadways are known for higher accident rates, including Interstate 5, which stretches across much of the state, and State Route 99, which has seen frequent crashes, especially near Modesto. Heavy traffic, speeding, and poor road conditions often contribute to these accidents.
These numbers are more than just statistics. Each of these accidents involves real people, families, and lives that are changed in an instant. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a California crash, legal help is available to explain your options and help you move forward.
Speak With A Knowledgeable California Car Accident Lawyer
Every crash is different. At Arash Law, we help people injured in car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. No matter what kind of crash you’ve been through, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and insurance questions that feel overwhelming.
You do not have to handle it alone. The team at Arash Law can review what happened, explain your options, and guide you through the process. We help clients across California, including Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Eureka, El Centro, Monterey, Salinas, Chico, Redding, Stockton, Modesto, and other locations in the state.
To get started, call (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
