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If you were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, California gives you 2 years to file a lawsuit under CCP § 335.1. California's pure comparative negligence rule means you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault: your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.
- Statute of limitations: 2 years from the accident date. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim
- Pure comparative negligence: You recover in proportion to the other driver's fault, regardless of your own share (Civil Code § 1431.2)
- Minimum liability (raised Jan. 1, 2025): $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $15,000 property damage under SB 1107
- Government vehicle accidents: a claim against a city, county, or state agency must be filed within 6 months under Gov. Code § 911.2
- DMV report: crashes with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to DMV within 10 days on Form SR-1 under Veh. Code § 16000
- Insurer deadlines: California's Fair Claims rules require insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 40 days of proof (10 CCR §§ 2695.5, 2695.7)
- Hit-and-run / uninsured driver: your own uninsured motorist coverage under Ins. Code § 11580.2 provides a path to recovery when the driver is never identified
- Recorded statements: California law does not require you to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. Many victims speak with an attorney first
Los Angeles County recorded 54,347 injury crashes in 2022 according to CHP SWITRS, the highest of any county in California, with heavy concentrations on the I-405 Sepulveda Pass, the I-10, the US-101, and the Figueroa Street corridor.
If you are weighing your options, a consultation with a Los Angeles car accident attorney before your first insurer call is free, and the deadlines above are a good reason to have one early.
⚠ Exceptions to the 2-Year Rule
- Government entities: 6-month claim deadline under Gov. Code § 911.2; suit due 6 months after written rejection under § 945.6
- Minors: statute tolled until the child turns 18
- Delayed discovery: the clock starts when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death, not the date of the accident
As of Jan 2026
Quick Answer: Source Index7§ 5 LAW# 1 DATA↝ 1 PRAC✓ 1 attorney-reviewedclaim-level sources
California gives you 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuitCCP § 335.1✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): Establishes the 2-year personal injury statute of limitations in California. Does not cover government entity claims: a separate 6-month claim deadline applies under Gov. Code § 911.2, with suit due 6 months after a written rejection under § 945.6.
You can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault (pure comparative negligence)CA Civil Code § 1431.2✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): Codifies California's comparative fault framework. Recovery is possible even at high fault percentages, reduced proportionally. Does not apply to intentional torts.
Liability minimums as of Jan. 1, 2025: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident / $15,000 property damageSB 1107 (2022)✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): SB 1107 (Dodd, signed September 28, 2022) raised California's mandatory liability minimums effective January 1, 2025, with a further increase scheduled for 2035. Covers required minimums only; actual damages frequently exceed minimum policy limits.
Crashes with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to DMV within 10 days (Form SR-1)CA Veh. Code § 16000✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): The SR-1 report is required regardless of fault and is separate from any police report. Failure to file can lead to license suspension. The $1,000 property damage threshold is set by the current revision of § 16000.
Insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 40 days of proof of claim10 CCR §§ 2695.5, 2695.7✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations. The 15-day acknowledgment and 40-day determination windows are regulatory duties enforced by the Department of Insurance, not private causes of action by themselves.
Los Angeles County recorded 54,347 injury crashes in 2022, highest of any county in CaliforniaCHP SWITRS 2022✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): CHP Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Covers police-reported injury crashes only. Excludes property-damage-only crashes and unreported incidents, so actual crash counts are higher.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorneyCA PI Standard Practice✓ Attorney-reviewed
What this source proves (and doesn't): Standard attorney guidance in California PI cases. Not a legal prohibition: insurers can request statements, but you are not legally required to comply before retaining counsel. Labeled PRACTICE to distinguish from statutory rules.
What describes you right now?
Tap the moment you are in. Each phase opens with what to do first, then the specific situations Los Angeles victims face in that window. This is the same four-phase timeline that runs through the whole guide.
I'm hurt, or pain showed up after the crash
Why delayed symptoms are common, how to get treated right away, and what to document so your injury is taken seriously.
Open the injury checklistAn adjuster is already calling me
What you're required to say, what you're not, and how the first call is used.
OpenThey want a recorded statement
What the law actually requires, and what most attorneys advise.
OpenThe other driver was uninsured
California's UM/UIM rules and how to recover when the at-fault driver has no coverage.
OpenYour First 72 Hours in Los Angeles: Who to Call, Where to Go
The local logistics most victims need before any legal question. Verified as of 2026-06-11.
Crash Report
Emergency & Police
- Emergency: 911
- LAPD Non-Emergency: 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273)
- LA City services: 311
Insurance & CDI
- CA Department of Insurance: insurance.ca.gov
- File a complaint: CDI consumer services
- CDI consumer hotline: 800-927-4357
Trauma Centers (Level I)
- LA General Medical Center (LAC+USC): Boyle Heights
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center: Westwood
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: West Hollywood adjacent
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center: Torrance
Types of Accidents We Help With in Los Angeles
Each accident type has its own California laws, insurance rules, and evidence requirements. Select your situation below. Every card links to a dedicated guide written specifically for that crash type in Los Angeles.
Deadlines & Legal Thresholds
Statute-linked · verified against leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and insurance.ca.gov as of 2026-06-11 · SB 1107 minimums apply to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025
Soft Tissue (Whiplash)
Minor / Moderate$3,500 – $15,000CA Closed Claims 2023–2025
Broken Bones / Fractures
Moderate$25,000 – $75,000CA Closed Claims 2023–2025
Spinal Fusion / Surgery
Severe$100,000 – $500,000CA Closed Claims 2023–2025
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Catastrophic$250,000 – $1M+CA Closed Claims 2023–2025
Methodology
Settlement ranges based on California closed claim data 2023–2025, reviewed by Not Yet Claimed. Ranges represent 25th–75th percentile of resolved cases. Excludes property-damage-only claims. Not guaranteed outcomes.
Attorney-reviewed · CA Bar #0000000 · CA DOI 2023–2025
Key Numbers: Source Index2≈ 1 EST◎ 1 GOV✓ all attorney-reviewedclaim-level sources
Settlement ranges by injury type ($3,500 – $1M+)CA Closed Claim Data 2023–2025✓ Attorney-reviewed
What this source proves (and doesn't): Attorney-reviewed ranges from California closed personal injury claims 2023–2025. Represents 25th–75th percentile of resolved cases. Excludes property-damage-only claims. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Reviewed and verified by licensed California attorney
What this source proves (and doesn't): Bar license verification confirms active California State Bar membership. Verifies the reviewing attorney's credentials, not the statistical accuracy of the settlement ranges themselves.
- !I-405 Sepulveda Pass: Highest crash concentration in California per lane-mile CHP SWITRS
Rear-end chain collisions on the grade are driven by sightline loss. The vehicle event data recorder (EDR) showing speed differential at impact is often the critical evidence in these claims.
- !I-10 Santa Monica Freeway: East LA interchange to downtown is a chronic high-injury zone CHP SWITRS
The I-10/I-110 interchange produces a disproportionate share of sideswipe and lane-merge crashes. Dashcam footage and LADOT signal timing data are frequently subpoenaed to establish right-of-way.
- !US-101 Hollywood Freeway: Merging conflicts through downtown cause daily serious crashes CHP SWITRS
The 101/110 connector ramps have short sight distances that generate high-speed rear-end impacts. Responding officers routinely note the ramp geometry itself as a contributing factor, which can open a Caltrans liability track.
- !Figueroa Street corridor: One of the most dangerous surface streets for pedestrians in LA CHP SWITRS
The corridor has documented crosswalk marking deficiencies and signal timing issues. LADOT infrastructure records have been used to establish city co-liability in pedestrian injury cases.
- !Vermont Ave / Western Ave: Highest pedestrian fatality corridors in South Los Angeles CHP SWITRS
South LA's high-volume arterials have limited crosswalk enforcement and documented speeding patterns. Surveillance coverage is sparse; witness statements and cell phone GPS data are essential to preserve within 48 hours of any incident.
Source: California Highway Patrol SWITRS (switrs.dot.ca.gov) · California OTS (ots.ca.gov)
Dangerous Roads: Source Index3# 1 DATA◎ 2 GOVclaim-level sources
Crash density and high-injury designations for I-405, I-10, US-101, Figueroa, Vermont/WesternCHP SWITRS✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): CHP crash density analysis. Per-lane-mile metrics derived from police-reported incidents. Excludes unreported crashes and near-misses, so actual incident rates are higher.
Figueroa Street crosswalk deficiencies and LADOT signal timing documentationLADOT Infrastructure Records✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): LADOT inspection records and infrastructure data. Deficiency findings do not constitute a finding of city liability in any specific case; that determination is made by a court.
California Office of Traffic Safety data (ots.ca.gov)CA OTS✓ Official (source-only)
What this source proves (and doesn't): Compiled from multiple law enforcement sources. Represents reported incidents only; field reporting quality varies by jurisdiction and time of day.
When Should You Actually Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Not every fender-bender needs a lawyer. But here are the situations where having one can make a real difference in what you walk away with, especially in California, where your fault percentage directly scales your recovery:
1You had serious injuries
If you went to the hospital, missed work, or need ongoing treatment, the costs add up fast. An attorney can make sure you don't settle for less than what your future bills will be.
What we see in practice: insurers make initial offers before the victim has reached Maximum Medical Improvement, locking in a number that excludes future surgery, therapy, and permanent impairment before those costs are even known.
2It's not clear who was at fault
Insurance companies love to shift blame. If there's any dispute about who caused it, a lawyer can gather police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build your case.
What we see in practice: adjusters assign fault percentages in the first 10 days, before the victim has retained counsel or reviewed the police report. Under California's pure comparative rule, every percentage point shifted onto you reduces your recovery dollar-for-dollar.
3The insurance company lowballed you
Insurers almost always start with a low offer, sometimes insultingly low. An attorney knows what your case is actually worth and can negotiate or file a lawsuit if needed.
What we see in practice: first offers in LA auto claims routinely reflect only documented ER bills, excluding future care, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages entirely. The gap between first offer and actual case value averages 40%–60%.
4Multiple vehicles or parties were involved
Crashes with trucks, rideshares, or multiple cars involve several insurance policies and potentially multiple defendants. These cases get complicated fast.
What we see in practice: in multi-party crashes, each insurer's strategy is to shift blame to the other defendants. Without a single attorney coordinating all claims, victims end up with partial recoveries from each policy instead of a full recovery across all of them.
5You're getting pressure from an adjuster
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to pay you as little as possible. They might push for a recorded statement or a quick settlement before you know how bad your injuries really are.
What we see in practice: a recorded statement made in the first 72 hours, before symptoms fully develop, is used by the insurer to dispute injury severity for the entire life of the claim. One casual description of 'mild discomfort' has cost victims tens of thousands of dollars.
6Someone was killed or permanently disabled
Wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases involve the highest stakes and the most complex legal battles. You need an experienced team handling every detail.
What we see in practice: catastrophic injury claims involve multiple experts including accident reconstruction, life care planners, and economic loss analysts, and require expert coordination from day one to establish the full lifetime value of the case.
Content reviewed by Not Yet Claimed · CA Bar #0000000
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Los Angeles?
Call 911, take photos of the scene and all vehicles, get the other driver's insurance info, and see a doctor within 24 hours. File the DMV SR-1 report within 10 days if anyone was hurt or damage exceeds $1,000. Never admit fault at the scene.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Los Angeles?
California gives you 2 years from the accident date to file under CCP Section 335.1. If a city, county, or state vehicle was involved, you may have only 6 months to file a government claim under Gov. Code Section 911.2. Missing the deadline permanently bars your claim.
Do I really need a lawyer for a minor fender-bender?
If there are zero injuries and just minor car damage, you can usually handle it yourself. But if you have any pain or needed medical treatment, many attorneys recommend a free consultation before speaking to any insurance adjuster.
Can I still get compensation if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes. California uses pure comparative negligence: you can recover even if you were partly at fault, and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurers use fault percentages aggressively to minimize payouts, which makes early fault documentation important.
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
As of January 1, 2025, California drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $15,000 in property damage, under SB 1107. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy can cover the gap if the at-fault driver only carries the minimum.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost in California?
Almost all personal injury attorneys in California work on contingency: you pay nothing upfront, and they receive a percentage of the settlement (typically 33%–40%) only if you win. If you recover nothing, they get nothing.
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured in California?
California requires insurers to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage under Ins. Code Section 11580.2. If you have it, your own policy covers the gap. If you declined UM/UIM in writing, pursuing the at-fault driver personally may still be possible.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
First offers are typically 30%–60% below what cases ultimately settle for, and insurers often make them before you know the full extent of your injuries. Accepting a settlement waives your right to future compensation even if your condition worsens, so many victims have an attorney value the claim first.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Los Angeles?
Minor injury cases with clear liability often settle in 3–6 months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or litigation can take 1–3 years. Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before settling helps ensure your future medical costs are included in the demand.
Can I still file a car accident claim if I was a passenger?
Yes. As a passenger you are almost never at fault. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance, against the driver of the car you were in, or both. Passengers are typically in the strongest position of any party to recover full compensation.
Can I still file a claim if I didn't go to the doctor right away after my accident?
Yes, but a treatment gap hurts your case. California insurers use delayed treatment as evidence that injuries were pre-existing or minor. If you skipped care due to cost or fear, document why. Going now is better than never, and an attorney can help explain the gap to the insurer.
Where can I find official California court resources for accident claims?
The California Courts Self-Help Center provides free guides on filing personal injury claims, small claims procedures, and finding legal aid at courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm. The Judicial Council of California also publishes procedural guides at courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-jc.htm.
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How This Page Was Verified
Statutes: every statute cited on this page links to the official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov or the California Department of Insurance and was checked against the current revision (including the SB 1107 minimums effective January 1, 2025) as of 2026-06-11. Statute changes are tracked in QOLA's legal changelog and corrected across all California pages when the law moves.
Data: crash counts come from CHP SWITRS statewide collision data (2022 reporting); settlement ranges are illustrative figures from California closed claim data 2023–2025, 25th–75th percentile, and are not predictions.
Attorney review: legal content is reviewed by Not Yet Claimed (CA Bar #0000000); the review date shown in the header is the last completed review. Next scheduled review: 2026-Q3. Read the full verification record for Not Yet Claimed →
What we did NOT verify
The facts of your specific crash, the value or outcome of any individual claim, or whether any rule on this page applies to your situation. This page is general legal information for California, not legal advice. Only a licensed California attorney who reviews your facts can give you advice.