California law guide
California Car Accident Laws, in Plain English
The deadlines, the fault rules, and what actually happens after a crash in California — explained without the legalese.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and CA Legal Help is not a law firm. Deadlines and rules vary by situation — a participating California law firm can explain what applies to you. No outcome is guaranteed.
Attorney advertising. CA Legal Help is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Your information may be shared with a participating California law firm for review. No outcome is guaranteed.
You generally have two years to file
California generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That sounds like a long time — but evidence disappears much faster: security footage gets overwritten, skid marks fade, and witnesses move. The strongest claims are built early.
Government claims: six months, not two years
If your crash involved a government entity — a city vehicle, a dangerous public road, a transit bus — California generally requires a formal claim within six months. Miss that window and the two-year rule usually can't save the case.
Partly at fault? You can still recover
California follows comparative fault: your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, not wiped out. Insurance adjusters know most people don't know this — which is one reason early offers run low.
Why the first offer is rarely the real number
First offers often arrive before the full extent of injuries and losses is known — and accepting generally ends the claim. Before signing anything, it costs nothing to have a participating California law firm review whether an offer reflects your situation. Start at the California personal injury hub or request a free case review on this page.
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Common questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
Generally two years from the date of injury — but claims involving a government entity generally require a formal claim within six months. This is general information, not legal advice; a participating California law firm can explain the deadlines that apply to you.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
California follows comparative fault, so you may still be able to recover even if you were partly responsible — your recovery can be reduced by your share of fault. A participating California law firm can explain how this may apply.
Is this legal advice?
No. CA Legal Help is a legal advertising and lead-generation website, not a law firm. This guide is general information; a participating California law firm can review your specific situation for free.
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