If you were hurt in a crash caused by another driver, a car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies while you focus on getting better. Abramson Labor Group represents injured people in California car accident claims, from the first insurance call to settlement or trial. Our case reviews are free and confidential, and we work on contingency.
California is a fault state. The driver who caused the crash, and that driver’s insurance company, are responsible for the harm. California law measures damages as “the amount which will compensate for all the detriment proximately caused” by the wrongful conduct (Civil Code section 3333).
Fault is often shared. In Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975), the California Supreme Court held that a person’s own negligence “shall not bar recovery.” Instead, “the damages awarded shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the person recovering.” So if you were 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Some steps protect your health, some are required by law, and some protect your claim. Do what you safely can.
Your own insurer and the other driver’s insurer will both want to talk to you. You do not have to accept the first offer. Before you give a recorded statement or sign anything, consider having a lawyer review it.
Deadlines depend on what was harmed and who caused it. These are the general limits.
| Type of claim | General deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lawsuit for your injuries, or for a death | 2 years | Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 |
| Lawsuit for damage to your car or other property | 3 years | Code of Civil Procedure 338(c)(1) |
| Claim against a city, county, or state agency for injury | 6 months (written claim to the agency) | Government Code 911.2 |
For a child injured in a crash, the time before the child turns 18 generally does not count toward the deadline (Code of Civil Procedure section 352). Evidence fades fast, and the 6-month government deadline is easy to miss. If you were hurt, consider speaking with a car accident lawyer early.
California drivers must be able to pay for harm they cause, and most do it with liability insurance. For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the minimums are higher than before (Vehicle Code section 16056).
| Coverage | Before 2025 | Issued or renewed from January 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Injury or death, one person | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Injury or death, all people in one accident | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Property damage | $5,000 | $15,000 |
Serious injuries often cost more than these limits. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help when the other driver has no insurance or too little. California auto policies must include this coverage unless you deleted it in a written agreement with your insurer (Insurance Code section 11580.2). Check your declarations page to see what you have.
A claim can include economic losses, like medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and car repairs. It can also include non-economic losses, like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
There are limits. Under Civil Code section 3333.4, you generally cannot recover non-economic losses if you owned a car in the crash that was not insured as the law requires, if you were driving without proof of financial responsibility, or if you were convicted of driving under the influence for that crash. You can still recover economic losses like medical bills.
Car crashes often cause serious harm, including brain injuries. If a defective part such as brakes, tires, or an airbag made the crash or your injuries worse, the manufacturer may also be responsible. Learn more about product liability claims.
When a crash causes a death, certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim. The 2-year deadline in Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 covers actions “for the death of” a person too. Our article on who can file a wrongful death claim in California explains who qualifies.
If you were hurt while driving on the job, workers’ compensation may cover your medical care and part of your lost pay. A workers’ comp claim does not stop you from also pursuing the at-fault driver. Under Labor Code section 3852, an employee’s claim for compensation “does not affect” the right to recover damages from someone other than the employer. These two claims interact, so consider speaking with a lawyer who handles both.
We also represent people hurt in truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, and pedestrian accidents. See all of our practice areas, or read our personal injury FAQ.
We represent people hurt in car accidents in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, across Los Angeles County, and throughout California from our Burbank office.
We work on contingency, so you do not pay anything unless we win. The case evaluation is free. Our fee is a share of any recovery, and if there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees.
Yes. California follows pure comparative fault. Your own negligence “shall not bar recovery,” but your award is reduced by your share of the fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.).
Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries. California policies include it unless it was removed in writing (Insurance Code section 11580.2). A lawyer can check your policy and look for other sources of coverage.
You do not have to. Early offers often come before the full cost of your treatment is known. Have the offer, and any release you are asked to sign, reviewed before you agree.
If you were hurt in a car accident, we can review what happened and explain your options. Request your free case evaluation or call us at (213) 493-6300.
You do not pay ANYTHING unless we win!
Last updated: October 2026
This page is general information about California law, not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice about your specific case, talk to a licensed California attorney.
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