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Auto accidents
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Car Accidents
Understand your rights after a car crash and how Block Law can help you pursue compensation.
A car accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. Our attorneys investigate liability, negotiate with insurers, and litigate when necessary.
We start by preserving evidence, documenting injuries, and building a clear damages story so adjusters and juries understand the full impact on your life.
What to do after a car accidents
- Get medical attention and follow your treatment plan.
- Document the scene: photos, witness info, police report number.
- Avoid recorded statements with insurers before speaking to an attorney.
- Track expenses, time off work, and symptoms.
- Call Block Law to evaluate your claim and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident involved a government-owned vehicle or occurred on government property, that window can shrink to six months. For property damage claims, you generally have three years. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation entirely regardless of how strong your case is. Do not wait to consult an attorney.
No — and this is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and will use anything you say against you. Even a seemingly harmless statement like “I feel okay” can be used to argue your injuries are not serious. Do not give recorded statements, sign any documents, or accept any settlement offers before consulting an attorney. Let Block Law handle all communications with the insurer so your rights are protected from day one.
You can still recover compensation. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated entirely. For example if you were found 25% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $75,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your share of fault to reduce their payout. Block Law fights to make sure fault is assigned fairly and your compensation is maximized.
The value of a car accident case depends on several factors including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, the impact on your daily life, and the degree of the other party’s fault. Compensation can include medical expenses, future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Cases involving serious or permanent injuries are typically worth significantly more than those involving minor injuries. Because every case is different, the best way to understand what your claim is worth is to consult an attorney who can evaluate the specific facts of your situation.
Still have questions about your accident?
Speak directly with a team member today — we’ll review your case for free!
Still have questions about your accident?
Speak directly with a team member - we’ll review your case for free.
Why “minor” accidents aren’t always minor
It’s common to walk away from a fender bender feeling fine — only to wake up days later with neck pain, headaches, or stiffness. In busy traffic areas like the 101 or congested streets in Los Angeles and Orange County, even low-speed collisions cause real injuries. The adrenaline released during a crash can mask pain for 24 to 72 hours, making it easy to underestimate what happened to your body.
Accepting a quick settlement or signing any paperwork at the scene — before your symptoms are fully known — can permanently close the door on future compensation. California law gives you time to understand the full extent of your injuries before you resolve your claim. Block Law will advise you on when and how to act.
Common delayed symptoms
- Neck or should pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Headaches or migraines
- Cognitive changes
- Back pain
- Emotional distress
Common causes of car accidents
Understanding what caused your accident is the foundation of your legal claim.
Distracted Driving
Phone use, eating, and in-car distractions are the leading cause of crashes in California. Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road creates liability.
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions reduces reaction time and dramatically increases the severity of impact.
Running Red Lights & Stop Signs
Intersection violations cause some of the most serious collisions. Traffic camera and dash cam footage are key evidence in these cases.
Driving under the influence
Alcohol and drug impairment slows reaction time and impairs judgment. DUI crashes often support additional punitive damages claims.
Tailgating & Aggressive Driving
Following too closely leaves no room to stop safely.
Car accident laws in California
California has specific laws that directly affect your right to compensation after a crash. Understanding them is the first step to protecting your claim.
compensation
Pure comparative negligence
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your share of fault to reduce their payout — Block Law fights to keep that number as low as possible.
responsibility
At-fault state
Unlike no-fault states where each driver’s own insurance covers their injuries regardless of who caused the crash, California is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the accident — and their insurer — is responsible for covering the other party’s damages. Establishing clear fault is central to your claim, which is why thorough investigation and evidence preservation from the start matters so much.
Filing Deadline
Two-year statute of limitations
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you were injured by a government vehicle or on government property, that window shrinks to just six months to file an administrative claim. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. Do not wait to consult an attorney.
insurance
Mandatory minimum coverage
California law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $5,000 for property damage. These minimums are low — serious accidents frequently exceed them. If the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover your full damages, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may fill the gap. Block Law evaluates all available coverage sources to maximize your recovery.
Block Law serves clients throughout Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino. If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in the region, our team is ready to review your case at no cost and advise you on your rights under California law.
Quick Facts
- Free consultations
- No fee unless we win
- We handle insurer communications
- Bilingual team available
Related Topics
Why Choose Block Law?
- Personalized attention from start to finish
- Free consultations. No fee unless we win.
- Available in English and Spanish
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