Car Accidents
A subtype of Motor Vehicle Accidents
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About Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common case type in the Los Angeles area. Whether you were rear-ended on the freeway or hit at an intersection, understanding your rights is critical. California uses a Comparative Negligence system — even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation proportional to the other party's fault. Recoverable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and pain and suffering.
Frequently asked questions
What compensation can I get after a California car accident?
Typically: medical bills (including future treatment), lost wages/income, vehicle repair, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. California generally caps nothing on non-economic damages in ordinary injury cases (medical malpractice and a few others differ). The amount depends on the injuries, who's at fault, and the available policy limits — there is no fixed number.
What if the other driver has no insurance, or not enough?
Use your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage — California requires insurers to offer it (you can waive it in writing). It's designed for exactly this — an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver — and can pay your medical bills and injury losses.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence: you can recover even if you were partly at fault — your compensation is just reduced by your share. If you're found 30% at fault, you still recover 70% of your losses; even a majority-at-fault driver isn't completely barred.
What is the deadline to file a California car-accident claim?
Personal injury is generally 2 years from the crash (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §335.1); property-damage-only is 3 years. If a government entity is involved (e.g., a city vehicle), you must first file an administrative claim within 6 months (Gov. Code §911.2). Missing the deadline usually forfeits the right to sue — act early.
How much does a car-accident lawyer cost? Is 'no win, no fee' real?
Personal-injury lawyers generally work on contingency — no recovery, no fee — taking an agreed percentage of the final compensation, usually with nothing upfront. The first consultation is typically free.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Get to safety and call 911, get medical care (some injuries surface later); at the scene take photos, record the other driver's plate and insurance, and get witnesses' contacts; cooperate with the police report; see a doctor promptly and keep all records. Be careful on calls with the other insurer — don't give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement before you know your rights.
General information, not legal advice.
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