Car Accident Lawyer California | HellaHurt
Injured in a car accident in California? HellaHurt's licensed personal injury attorneys fight for full compensation for your documented losses. Free case check. No fees unless we win. Call 888-693-5777.
California Car Accident Law: Key Rules
California Vehicle Code § 22350 requires drivers to operate at a speed safe for conditions. California's pure comparative negligence rule means you can recover even if you were partly at fault. California requires drivers to carry at least $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 in bodily injury liability and property damage (effective January 1, 2025 under SB 1107, raised from the prior $30,000/$60,000/$15,000).
Fault determination: California is an at-fault (tort) state. The at-fault driver's insurer pays your damages. If the insurer disputes liability or undervalues your claim, HellaHurt litigates.
What Damages Can You Recover?
California car accident victims may recover:
- Medical expenses — past and future hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, medication
- Lost wages — income lost while recovering, plus future earning capacity if you can no longer work at full capacity
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Property damage — vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
- Punitive damages — in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct
What to Do After a Car Accident Incident in California
The steps you take immediately after a car accident incident in California can significantly affect the value of your claim. Here is what to do:
- Call 911: Get police and emergency medical services to the scene. The police report is foundational evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Many serious injuries — including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding — have delayed symptoms. Gaps in medical treatment hurt your claim.
- Document everything: Take photos and video of the scene, all parties involved, road or property conditions, your visible injuries, and any damage. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within 24–72 hours — act fast.
- Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident. Witnesses become harder to locate over time.
- Do not give a recorded statement: Do not give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Adjusters use recorded statements to find inconsistencies that reduce your settlement.
- Contact HellaHurt: Call 888-693-5777 or start your free AI case check to understand your rights before speaking with any insurance company.
Why Choose HellaHurt for Your California Car Accident Case
- Licensed California attorneys: Morgan D. Ross (CA Bar #270650) and Robert B. Salgado (CA Bar #297391)
- Contingency fee: You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Free AI case check: Get an instant analysis of your claim in under 2 minutes
- Statewide representation: We handle cases throughout all of California
- Free consultation: No pressure, no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
California's statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury (CCP § 335.1). For claims against government entities, you have only 6 months to file a government tort claim. Contact HellaHurt immediately if you are approaching a deadline.
What compensation can I recover for a car accident in California?
California injury victims may recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of financial support. California has no cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases.
What is the average car accident settlement in California?
Settlement values vary based on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance limits. Minor soft-tissue injuries may settle for $10,000–$50,000. Serious injuries with surgery or permanent impairment routinely settle for $100,000–$1M+.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
California's Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your own policy covers you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene.
Does HellaHurt handle car accident cases throughout California?
Yes. HellaHurt handles car accident cases throughout all of California — San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and every city in between. We are a statewide firm. Call 888-693-5777 for a free consultation.
What if I was partially at fault for my car accident in California?
California follows pure comparative negligence — you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce their payout. HellaHurt fights back.
Free Case Evaluation
- Start your free AI case check — instant analysis in under 2 minutes →
- Call 888-693-5777
- No fees unless we win