California Car Accident Lawyers
California Car Accident Lawyers - Auto accident attorneys at Trembach Law. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
California Car Accident Legal Representation
Experienced car accident attorneys handling all types of motor vehicle collisions in California. We handle rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run cases, drunk driving accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, and uninsured motorist claims.
California auto insurance minimum: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 (effective January 2025). We fight to recover full compensation beyond policy limits when possible.
Free consultation: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do immediately after a car accident in California?
- After a California car accident, first ensure safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. Exchange information with other drivers including insurance details. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries appear later. Report the accident to your insurance company but avoid admitting fault. Contact a car accident lawyer before giving recorded statements.
- How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
- California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from car accidents, starting from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, you have three years. If the accident involved a government vehicle or entity, you must file a government claim within six months. Missing these deadlines typically bars you from recovering compensation, so consult an attorney promptly.
- What compensation can I recover from a California car accident?
- California car accident victims may recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, property damage), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life), and in cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages. There is no cap on personal injury damages in California car accident cases.
- How much is my California car accident case worth?
- Car accident case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, long-term impacts, and available insurance coverage. Minor injury claims may settle for $10,000-$25,000, while serious injury cases involving fractures, surgeries, or permanent disabilities can reach $100,000 to over $1 million. Fatal accidents and catastrophic injuries can result in multi-million dollar verdicts.
- Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
- No. First offers from insurance companies are typically lowball amounts designed to minimize payouts. Insurance adjusters know most people want quick resolution and will accept less than their claim is worth. Before accepting any offer, consult with a car accident attorney who can evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.
- What is California's comparative negligence law?
- California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. This applies even if you were 99% at fault.
- Do I need a lawyer for a California car accident claim?
- While not legally required, hiring a car accident lawyer typically results in significantly higher settlements. Studies show accident victims with attorneys receive 3.5 times more compensation on average. Lawyers handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, calculate damages, and protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
- What are California's minimum auto insurance requirements?
- As of January 2025, California requires minimum coverage of 30/60/15: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 property damage. However, these minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended.
- What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can file a claim with your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. You may also sue the driver personally, though collecting may be difficult. Some victims qualify for California's Uninsured Motorist Fund. An attorney can explore all available options for your recovery.
- How long does a car accident settlement take in California?
- Simple car accident cases with clear liability may settle in 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take 1-2 years or longer. Cases that go to trial typically take 2-3 years. Factors affecting timeline include injury treatment duration, insurance cooperation, and case complexity.
- What damages can I claim for a totaled car?
- For a totaled vehicle, you can claim the actual cash value (ACV) of your car at the time of the accident, not the replacement cost or what you owe on your loan. You may also claim rental car expenses, towing and storage costs, and personal property damaged inside the vehicle. Gap insurance can cover the difference between ACV and loan balance.
- Can I sue for pain and suffering in California?
- Yes. California allows car accident victims to recover pain and suffering damages, which compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic losses. There is no cap on pain and suffering in car accident cases, unlike medical malpractice claims.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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