California Car Accident Guide

California Car Accident Guide

California sees roughly 485,000 reported car accidents each year. This guide explains what drivers in California should know about reporting deadlines, insurance claims, fault rules, and the situations where professional legal help tends to be worth the call.

California at a Glance

Fault System
Fault / Tort State
Pure comparative fault
Statute of Limitations
2 years
PI: 2 yrs / Property: 3 yrs
Min. Liability Coverage
30/60/15
PIP optional / not required
Crash Report Deadline
10 days
Threshold: $1,000+ damage

Why California Is Different

California uses pure comparative negligence — the most plaintiff-friendly fault system. You can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault. CA significantly increased minimum coverage in 2025 from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 under SB 1107. California has the second-highest accident volume in the US. Property damage SOL (3 years) is longer than personal injury SOL (2 years).

Step-by-Step Guides for California

After the Accident
What to Do After a Car Accident
Step-by-step checklist for the first 24 hours and beyond.
Insurance
How to File an Insurance Claim
Navigate the California insurance process without losing the claim.
Decision Help
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Honest framework for deciding when an attorney is worth it.
Legal Reference
California Car Accident Laws
Complete overview of the rules that apply to your case.
Accident Type
Rear-End Collision
Fault rules, common defenses, and what to do.
Accident Type
T-Bone Accident
Liability questions in side-impact crashes.
Accident Type
Hit and Run
Laws, penalties, and how to recover when the other driver flees.

When Professional Help Tends to Make Sense

Most minor accidents in California are resolved between the drivers and their insurance companies without ever involving an attorney. Many accident victims, however, consider consulting an attorney when one or more of the following applies:

  • A fatality occurred, or a wrongful-death claim may be involved
  • Medical bills are already in the tens of thousands of dollars, or still growing
  • There is a permanent injury, visible scar, or any sign of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • The insurance company’s first settlement offer feels far below your actual costs
  • The insurance company is arguing that your injuries are pre-existing, or trying to shift primary fault onto you
  • Multiple vehicles or multiple parties are involved and liability is unclear
  • Fault is disputed — especially relevant given California’s pure comparative fault system
  • The California statute of limitations for personal injury (2 years from the accident) is within six months
  • A government vehicle, commercial truck, or rideshare driver is involved
  • The other driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene (hit-and-run)
Speak with a California Car Accident Attorney

Free, no-obligation case review. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice — your information may be shared with an independent attorney or attorney network who can evaluate your case.

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Recent Editorial Notes on California Law

  • 2025: California increased minimum liability coverage from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 effective January 1, 2025 under SB 1107 (Protect California Drivers Act). This is a significant increase in required coverage.

Reviewed by TurnYourClaim Editorial Team — Last verified: 2026-03-05

Sources: Cal. Civ. Code § 1714 (Comparative Fault basis); Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975); Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (SOL – Personal Injury); Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338 (SOL – Property Damage); Cal. Veh. Code § 16056 (Minimum Coverage); SB 1107 (2024 – Protect California Drivers Act – Minimum Coverage Increase)

DISCLAIMER: TurnYourClaim is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This site provides general educational information only. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. Last updated: May 2026.