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  • California Car Accident Laws You Should Know

California Car Accident Laws You Should Know

TL;DR: California law requires drivers to report certain accidents, maintain minimum insurance, and understand how fault affects claims. Key laws include the 2-year deadline to file injury claims (Code of Civil Procedure ยง335.1), comparative negligence (Civil Code ยง1714), and reporting rules (Vehicle Code ยง20008). Knowing these rules can protect your rights and improve your settlement.A head on collision accident with two people trying to figure out what is going on.

Accident Reporting Requirements

Under California Vehicle Code ยง20008, if you’re involved in an accident involving injury or death, you must file a written report with the California Highway Patrol or local police department within 24 hours. If police come to the scene, they usually handle this. You must also report the crash to the DMV within 10 days if it resulted in injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage (Form SR-1).

Minimum Insurance Requirements

California requires the following minimum car insurance coverage:

  • $15,000 for injury/death to one person
  • $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
  • $5,000 for property damage

While these are the legal minimums, they may not be enough to cover serious accidents. Many drivers opt for higher limits or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Comparative Negligence: Shared Fault Rules

California uses a pure comparative negligence system. Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damagesโ€”but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. This is governed by Civil Code ยง1714.

Example: You’re 30% at fault in a crash and suffer $100,000 in damages. You can still recover $70,000.

Statute of Limitations

According to Code of Civil Procedure ยง335.1, you typically have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage claims, the deadline is 3 years. If a government vehicle was involved, you must file a claim within 6 months.

Duty to Mitigate Damages

California law requires accident victims to take reasonable steps to reduce their damages after a crash. This includes seeking prompt medical care and following treatment recommendations. Failing to do so could reduce your compensation.

Real Client Example: $135,000 Settlement

Our San Jose client was rear-ended by a distracted driver. The insurance company initially offered $12,000. We gathered medical records, photos, and had a biomechanical expert analyze the injuries. Final result: $135,000 settlement. Thorough documentation made the difference.

Key Takeaways

  • Report serious accidents within 24 hours and to the DMV within 10 days
  • Maintain at least the legal minimum insurance coverage
  • Know that fault can be sharedโ€”and doesnโ€™t block compensation
  • Donโ€™t delay: most claims have a 2-year filing window
  • Act reasonably after a crash to protect your claim

Need Help Understanding California Car Accident Law?

Donโ€™t go it alone. Car accident laws are complex, and insurance companies often take advantage of injured victims who arenโ€™t familiar with their rights. West Coast Trial Lawyers has helped thousands of Californians recover after collisionsโ€”even when fault was disputed. Get your free case review.


Attorney: Neama Rahmani, Esq.
President, West Coast Trial Lawyers
California Bar No. 223819
Verify Neama RahmaniThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for guidance on your individual case.



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