Car Accident Lawyer in California

Were you hurt in a car accident?

Start with a quick, confidential case review — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.

What to do after a car accident in California

The steps you take right after a crash can shape your entire claim. If you can, get to safety and call 911 so there is an official report. Get medical care even if you feel fine — some injuries show up days later, and a gap in treatment can be used against you. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, the road, and your injuries; write down the other driver's name, insurance, and license plate; and get names and numbers for any witnesses. Be careful about giving a recorded statement to any insurance company before you have spoken with an attorney, and keep everything — bills, photos, and every message with the insurer.

How we handle your California car accident claim

You focus on healing; we handle the rest. We gather the crash report, your medical records, and the evidence, deal with the insurance adjusters so you don't have to, and build the strongest version of your claim before demanding a fair recovery. If the insurer will not be reasonable, we are prepared to take the next step. Every car accident matter starts with a free, confidential review, and we will tell you honestly whether you have a case — we do not charge to tell you where you stand. Se habla español.

Why work with Woods Law Group

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Having your own attorney levels the field. We take these cases on a contingency basis for clients we represent, which means no fee unless we recover for you. You get straight answers, real communication, and a firm that treats your recovery as the priority.

How much is my car accident case worth? →

Common car accident cases we handle in California

Dealing with the insurance company

California deadlines and fault rules

California is an at-fault state, not a no-fault one: the driver who caused the crash — through their insurer — is responsible for the harm. Two California rules do more practical damage to claims than anything else. First, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be offered to you, but it can be rejected in writing, and a great many drivers reject it without registering that they have. When the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, that rejection is often the whole difference between a claim and nothing. Second, California restricts what an uninsured driver can recover even when the crash was entirely someone else’s fault, cutting off non-economic damages in most circumstances. If a government vehicle or a dangerous roadway was involved, a much shorter claim-presentation deadline applies before any lawsuit is possible.

California injury law: deadlines, fault and caps

California injury law shapes your case in a few specific ways worth knowing early.

Filing deadline: You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file — and only about six months to put a government entity on notice before you can sue.
Fault: California follows pure comparative negligence, so you can still recover even if you were partly — or mostly — at fault, with your recovery reduced by your share of the blame.
Damage caps: An ordinary California injury case has no cap on damages; medical-malpractice claims are the main exception.
Uninsured drivers: California sets minimum auto-insurance limits and uninsured/underinsured-motorist rules that affect what coverage is available.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Deadlines vary by state and by who is involved, and they can be short — especially if a government vehicle or public entity caused the crash. Because a missed deadline can end a claim entirely, the safest step is a free review right away.

How much is my California car accident case worth?

It depends on your injuries, your medical treatment, lost income, and other factors — and it is exactly what our attorney evaluates for free. We will not quote a number sight unseen, but we can tell you whether your case is worth pursuing.

What if the other driver didn't have insurance?

You may still have options. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can sometimes step in, and there may be other sources of recovery. If you were hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, a free review can explain what may be available to you.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

We handle car accident claims on a contingency basis for cases we take, which means no fee unless we recover for you, and the initial review is always free. Cost should never stop you from finding out where you stand.

Ready to find out where you stand?

The case review takes about two minutes. It's free and confidential, with no obligation.

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