Car Accident Attorney in Glendale, CA

Car accident claims in Glendale, California

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

Most California personal injury claims must be filed in court within two years of the date of injury (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If the claim is against a city, county, transit agency, school district, or other public entity, a written claim must first be presented to that entity within six months (Government Code § 911.2). Missing either deadline can end the claim permanently. California drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $15,000 for property damage for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 (Vehicle Code § 16056). A driver who was operating without the required insurance, and an uninsured owner, cannot recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering under Civil Code § 3333.4 (Proposition 213); economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages are still recoverable.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

California follows pure comparative negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804). Being partly at fault does not bar recovery — compensation is reduced by the injured person's own percentage of fault. Under Civil Code § 1431.2, economic damages are joint and several among defendants, while non-economic damages are apportioned by each defendant's share of fault.

What does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?

These cases are handled on a contingency fee — no fee unless we win. If the lawsuit does not succeed, the firm does not charge the client. The initial consultation is free.

What compensation can I recover in a California injury claim?

California allows recovery of economic damages — past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, lost earning capacity and out-of-pocket costs — and non-economic damages such as physical pain, mental suffering, inconvenience, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life (CACI 3903, CACI 3905). Punitive damages are available only where the defendant acted with oppression, fraud or malice (Civil Code § 3294). What any individual claim is worth depends on the evidence in that case; no lawyer can promise an amount.

What if the driver who hit me had no insurance?

Every California auto policy must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which the insured may reject only in writing (Insurance Code § 11580.2). Where that coverage is in place it can respond when the at-fault driver has none or too little. The uninsured motorist clock runs separately: within two years of the accident the insured must file suit against the at-fault party, reach a written agreement on the amount due, or demand arbitration by certified mail (Insurance Code § 11580.2(i)).

Do I have to report the collision to the DMV?

Yes, in many cases. Vehicle Code § 16000 requires a driver involved in a collision to file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days when anyone was injured or killed, or when property damage exceeds $1,000. That report is separate from any police or CHP report taken at the scene.

Do I have to give the other side's insurance company a statement?

Nothing in California law requires an injured person to give a recorded statement to another party's insurance company. Your own policy is different: auto policies contain a cooperation clause, so notify your own insurer promptly. Insurance Code § 790.03(h) bars an insurer from misrepresenting facts or policy provisions to a claimant, but the adjuster still represents the other side's interests.

How long does a personal injury case take in California?

The length of a case depends on medical treatment, disputes over liability and the court's calendar, so no schedule can be promised. Two timing rules shape every case: the complaint must be filed within the limitations period, and once filed, an action must be brought to trial within five years (Code of Civil Procedure § 583.310). Many claims resolve before trial; some do not.

Who pays my medical bills while the claim is pending?

In the meantime, treatment is usually paid by health insurance, by medical payments coverage on an auto policy where that coverage exists, or by a provider who agrees to wait for payment. A provider or health plan that paid may assert a lien or right of reimbursement against any later recovery, and Civil Code § 3040 limits how much certain health-care service plan liens may take from a settlement. These amounts are resolved when the claim resolves.

What to do after a car accident

1. Call 911 and stay at the scene — Vehicle Code § 20001 requires drivers involved in an injury collision to stop and exchange information.
2. Get medical attention and follow through with the treatment your provider recommends; gaps in care are routinely used to dispute an injury.
3. Report the incident and get the report number — a police, transit, or property-owner incident report creates a dated record.
4. Photograph the scene, vehicles or hazard, and visible injuries, and write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
5. Give no recorded statement and sign no release or medical authorization for an insurer before getting legal advice.
6. Note both deadlines that may apply — two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, and six months to present a claim to a public entity under Government Code § 911.2.

To speak with a California Personal Injury Attorneys lawyer about a car accident claim, call (800) 800-8910. The consultation is free and the line is answered 24 hours a day, Monday through Sunday.