California Car Accident Resources

California Car Accident Law, Lawyers and Attorneys

In 2006, there were 3,835 fatal car accidents on California roads according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. If you’ve been in a car accident and are looking for information about how to assess your rights and responsibilities and where to go for help, you’ve come to the right spot. Our car accident articles cover relevant issues such as fault, insurance, claims, personal injury, property damage, government liability, and structured settlements. You will also find rules, laws and other information specific to the state of California, and links to California personal injury attorneys who can assess the value of your claim and provide advice on your best course of action.

California Car Accident Articles:

How an Auto Accident Insurance Claim Works

What is Your Car Accident Injury Claim Worth and Who is at Fault?

Car Insurance and Auto Accidents: Are You Covered?

What You Can Expect to Recover for Property Damage in Auto Accident Cases

Auto Accidents: Options if You’re at an Impasse with the Insurance Adjuster

Car Accidents Involving Government-Owned Vehicles and Government Workers

Structured Settlements

Do I Need to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

California Car Accident Lawyers:

Find an experienced California Car Accident Attorney

Post Your Case to a California Car Accident Lawyer (it’s free, with no obligations)

Post your auto accident question on the Free Advice Auto Accidents and Vehicle Claims forum

Article: How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Discuss your case with the Advocate Law Group, top-rated California car accident law firm. [Sponsored Link]

Special Rules for California Car Accidents:

California Fault: Pure Comparative Fault

California Car Insurance Requirements/Limits—Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability: Minimum coverage limits by law are: Up to $30,000 covers personal injury of all persons in the car at the time of the accident, subject to a limit of $15,000 for any one individual; up to $5,000 for property damage.

California Small Claims Limit: $7,500

California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of the injury, or if the injury could not have been discovered right away, from the date you discovered the injury.

California Auto Accidents Involving Government Vehicles: Notice to File Against Government: If you were injured in a car accident caused by a government employee, you may sue the government agency —the city or town, county or state, public agency, school—that employs that person .

For claims against the federal government use form 95 and follow the instructions on page 2.

For claims against the state of California, use the California Government claims Form.

For claims against a county government employee, contact the county in which you want to file your lawsuit, see California Personal Injury Venue below, For the proper forms and time limits.

For claims against a city Government employee, contact the city in which you want to file your lawsuit, see California Personal Injury Venue below For the proper forms and time limits.

In dealing with accidents involving government entities and workers, be aware that there are special notices that must be filed against the appropriate government unit responsible for your injury within a certain time period (30 days to 180 days) AND before filing a lawsuit. Each entity has its own separate time periods and may differ from your state’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations against a private party. The rules can be confusing. Check the form you are filling out to find out the time limit for filing your claim. Accidents claims involving the government can be complicated. Any mistakes in filing or filing on time could result in losing your ability to recover for your damages and injuries. Consult with an experienced attorney right away to preserve your rights. See also Auto Accidents Involving the Government.

California Personal Injury Venue (Where to File Lawsuit): In the small claims or superior court located where the defendant (the person you are suing) lives or does business. Alternatively, you might consider filing in a court located where the accident occurred or where you live or do business. If you are filing a claim against a government agency and are unsure of which agency is responsible, the most prudent course is to file a separate claim against each.