Motor Vehicle Injuries

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If you were hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, you can pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. California gives you two years from the crash to file, and its pure comparative negligence rule means you may recover even if you were partly at fault. Protection Law Group represents injured drivers across California on contingency: no upfront fees, and you pay only if we win.

Key Points

  • Negligent drivers, and sometimes vehicle makers or government agencies, can be held responsible for a crash.
  • California follows pure comparative negligence, so partial fault reduces your recovery but does not bar it.
  • The deadline to sue is generally two years from the date of the accident.


Hurt in a car accident in El Segundo? Book your free consultation today.

Motor vehicle accidents are as common as they are fatal. Although often caused by the negligence of drivers, they are often not the only reason the accident occurred. Auto manufacturers and government agencies can be held liable if defective parts, vehicle malfunctions, or hazardous road conditions contributed to the incident.

Pursuant to California law, if a driver is held responsible, the driver is accountable for damages and injuries sustained by others involved. Even those partially at fault may be eligible for compensation.  Common reasons resulting in motor vehicle injuries include impaired driving, excessive speed, distracted operation, reckless behavior, treacherous road conditions, and product defects. Each of these can significantly impact a driver’s ability to safely control their vehicle and avoid collisions.

Establishing who is at fault car accidents is based upon who was negligent and to what degree. Drivers have a fundamental obligation to exercise reasonable care, prevent collisions, and maintain control of their vehicle. Failure to uphold this duty, resulting in injury to others, may constitute negligence. California’s pure comparative negligence law allows for partial compensation even if the claimant bears some responsibility for the accident.  

Worried that being partly at fault will cost you? Protection Law Group can review the crash and protect your right to recover. Schedule your free consultation. No upfront fees, and you pay only if we win.

Compensation in car accident cases may cover both economic and non-economic damages including reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of life quality. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be pursued. If the crash involved a commercial truck, our truck accident lawyer page explains who can be held responsible and how those claims differ.

If you or someone you know suffered a motor vehicle injury, contact us immediately.

We protect your rights!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?

Generally two years from the date of the crash (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If a government vehicle or agency is involved, a formal claim is usually due within six months.

Can I recover if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault rather than eliminated.

Who can be held liable besides the other driver?

Depending on the crash, an auto manufacturer (for a defective part) or a government agency (for a hazardous road condition) may also be responsible.

What compensation can I recover?

Economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be available.

What does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, so you pay only if we win, and the consultation is free.

Sources

  1. California Courts Self-Help Guide, Personal Injury, https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit/personal-injury
  2. California Legislative Information, Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=335.1&lawCode=CCP
  3. California Legislative Information, Civil Code § 1714, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714&lawCode=CIV
  4. California Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance, https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/


Disclaimer:
This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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