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California car accident lawyer
After a crash, the at-fault driver's insurance is supposed to pay for your injuries. In practice, insurance companies often try to minimize what they pay. Attorney Big Al represents people hurt in car crashes throughout California, and handles the insurance companies for them.
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we win. How fees and costs work
The short answer
In California, the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the harm (Civil Code section 1714), which can include your medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage (Civil Code section 3333). For policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2025, the minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person. If you were partly at fault, your recovery is reduced, not barred. You must report the crash to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was hurt, and you generally have two years to file an injury lawsuit.
Four rules that shape your claim
Fault decides who pays
The driver who caused the crash is responsible for the harm (Civil Code section 1714). If you share some of the blame, California's pure comparative fault rule reduces your recovery by your share instead of barring it (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975).
Minimum coverage is $30,000 per person
For policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2025, the minimum is $30,000 for one person, $60,000 for two or more and $15,000 for property damage (Vehicle Code section 16056). A serious injury can exceed that, so other policies, including your own, may come into play.
Report to the DMV within 10 days
If anyone was hurt or killed, or property damage to any one person was over $1,000, each driver must file a report (form SR 1) with the DMV within 10 days (Vehicle Code section 16000).
The clock starts at the crash
Generally two years to file an injury lawsuit and three years for vehicle damage. Six months for a written claim against a public entity.
What to do now
Get medical care
Even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up days later, and your records link them to the crash.
Report it
To the police at the scene, and to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was hurt.
Keep the evidence
Photos of the vehicles and the scene, the other driver's license and insurance, and witnesses' names and numbers.
Keep every bill and pay stub
Medical bills, receipts, and proof of the work you missed.
Talk to a lawyer before the insurer
Before a recorded statement or a settlement. The firm handles all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies for its clients.
How long you have
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lawsuit for an injury | Generally 2 years from the crash | Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 |
| Claim against a city, county, state agency or other public entity (a government vehicle or a dangerous road) | 6 months, as a written claim, before any lawsuit | Cal. Government Code § 911.2 |
| Lawsuit for damage to your vehicle | Generally 3 years | Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 338(c)(1) |
| Report to the DMV (form SR 1) if anyone was hurt or property damage to any one person was over $1,000 | 10 days | Cal. Vehicle Code § 16000 |
What a claim can cover
Medical expenses
Hospital, surgery, medication, therapy and future care.
Lost wages
Income lost while you recover, and lost earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your car and other property.
Hurt in a car crash? Call Big Al's office
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we win. Attorney fees are on a contingency basis. Whether and how case costs are charged is set out in the fee agreement; ask us before you sign.
Questions people ask
How much insurance does a California driver have to carry?
For policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2025, the minimum is $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage (Vehicle Code section 16056). Serious injuries often cost more, which is why your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can matter.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California uses pure comparative fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975): your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault, but not barred, even if your share is large.
Do I have to report a car accident to the DMV?
Yes, within 10 days, if anyone was hurt or killed, or if property damage to any one person was over $1,000 (Vehicle Code section 16000). This is separate from any police report.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
Generally two years from the crash for an injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1) and three years for damage to your vehicle (section 338). A claim against a city, county or state agency is due in writing within six months (Government Code section 911.2).
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Talk to a lawyer before you accept any offer or give a recorded statement. The firm handles that communication for its clients.
What does it cost to hire the firm?
The consultation is free, and you pay no attorney fee unless your case is won. Attorney fees are on a contingency basis. Whether and how case costs are charged is set out in the fee agreement; ask us before you sign.
Sources for this page
The law on this page was checked against these sources on November 11, 2026. It is general information, not legal advice for your case.
- Cal. Civil Code § 1714(a) (everyone is responsible for an injury caused to another by a want of ordinary care)
- Cal. Civil Code § 3333 (damages for a wrong not arising from contract: the amount that compensates for all the detriment it proximately caused)
- Cal. Vehicle Code § 16056(a)(2), from SB 1107 (2022): for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for one person, $60,000 for two or more and $15,000 property damage
- Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804 (pure comparative fault: damages are reduced by the injured person's share of fault, not barred)
- Cal. Vehicle Code § 16000 (report to the DMV within 10 days if anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage to any one person exceeds $1,000)
- Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 (two years for injury or death caused by another's wrongful act or neglect)
- Cal. Code of Civil Procedure § 338(c)(1) (three years for injury to goods or chattels, such as a vehicle)
- Cal. Government Code § 911.2 (claim to a public entity for injury: six months after the cause of action accrues)