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California Personal Injury: 5 Reasons to Call a Lawyer

Jun 21, 2022

If you or someone you love has been in a car crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when suddenly faced with medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and insurance company calls. Fortunately, the party responsible for the crash may owe you significant compensation. However, juggling your physical recovery and managing a case can be significantly challenging, so this is where a personal injury lawyer comes in.

If you want to hire a California personal injury lawyer, here are five compelling reasons why it is one of the most important steps you can take after a car accident. 

Reason 1: Time Isn’t on Your Side

After a crash, the clock starts ticking. Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you generally have just two years to file a California personal injury lawsuit. However, there are certain exceptions to this.

  • Property Damage Only

    If the crash results in property damage only, you have up to three years to file a claim and recover the cost of repairs or replacements.

  • Wrongful Death

    Sometimes, the heartbreak doesn’t come immediately. If a loved one passes away due to accident-related injuries days, weeks, or even months later, the legal clock starts ticking from the date of their passing, not the day of the crash. You typically have two years from that date to file a wrongful death claim.

  • Claims Against Government Entities

    If the at-fault party is a public agency, such as a city department or government employee, you face a much shorter window. You must file such a claim within six months.

  • Injured Minors

    When a child sustain injuries in a crash, the law offers protection by delaying the timeline. The two-year limit doesn’t begin until they turn 18, giving them time to recover and make informed decisions about pursuing justice.

  • At-Fault Driver Is Out-of-State or Mentally Impaired

    Suppose the responsible party is temporarily out of California, imprisoned, or mentally unfit. In that case, the court can pause or extend the legal deadline to file until the respondent has a chance to respond to the claim legally.

  • Mentally Incapacitated Victims

    For victims who are unconscious or mentally unable to act after the accident, the law grants them time. The statute of limitations is suspended until they regain the mental capacity to make legal decisions.

  • Bankruptcy of the At-Fault Party

    If the person who caused the accident files for bankruptcy, your car accident claim may be put on hold by the court until their bankruptcy proceedings are complete.

Two years might sound like plenty of time, but it can pass quickly while you’re recovering. Missing these legal deadlines doesn’t just delay your case; it could erase your right to seek compensation altogether. That means no financial support for your medical bills, lost wages, or the pain you’ve endured.

The sooner you take action, the better your chances of protecting your rights and your future. An experienced attorney can help you understand exactly how much time you have and take swift action on your behalf before it’s too late.

Reason 2: Legal Rules Are Complex and Unforgiving

Filing a lawsuit after a car accident entails going through a legal system that can feel cold, complex, and overwhelming when you’re already dealing with pain, loss, or confusion. The truth is, the courtroom has rules, and they’re not always easy to understand.

Every document you submit must meet exact formatting requirements. Every piece of evidence must follow specific legal standards to be considered valid. Even the way you phrase your claims or ask questions in court has to follow strict procedures. One misstep can stall your case, weaken your position, or worse, result in losing the opportunity for justice altogether.

That’s where an experienced California personal injury attorney becomes your greatest ally. They’re not just there to represent you, but there to protect you from the pitfalls that can derail your case. With their help, you don’t have to carry the weight of the legal process alone. You get the peace of mind knowing that the court will hear your story right way, and your fight for justice will stay firmly on track.

Reason 3: You Deserve Full Compensation and Not Just the Obvious Costs

Medical bills and car repairs are just the beginning. If you’ve been hurt, you may be entitled to much more: lost future income, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to uncover all the damages you suffer, and how to fight to recover every penny.

To build a strong case, your attorney will help you clearly demonstrate the full scope of damages. These typically fall into three key categories:

Economic Damages 

These are the financial losses you can prove through bills, receipts, or pay stubs. They may seem like numbers on paper, but behind every figure is a story: a missed paycheck, a hospital stay, a canceled vacation with your kids.

  • Medical Expenses: From emergency care to long-term therapy, you deserve to have every dollar covered.
  • Health-Related Costs: Whether it’s medication, assistive devices, or home care support, these are essentials.
  • Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: If your vehicle needs repairs or replacement and you require a temporary car rental, you can also include this in your settlement.
  • Lost Wages: Each day off work means lost wages. So, the court should include these wages in your settlement.
  • Future Loss of Income: If your injuries affect your ability to earn, that future loss should be accounted for, too.

Non-Economic Damages

Not all wounds are visible. Some of the most devastating losses are the ones that can’t be seen but felt, and they still deserve recognition and compensation.

  • Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain or lingering discomfort can affect every area of your life.
  • Emotional Distress: The accident may have left you battling fear, anxiety, or even PTSD.
  • Loss of Enjoyment in Life: When everyday joys like hiking, dancing, or playing with your children become difficult or impossible, it takes a toll.

Punitive Damages 

In rare cases where someone’s actions were especially reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages. These are designed not just to compensate you, but to send a message: such behavior won’t be tolerated.

While financial losses may be easier to calculate, the value of emotional, psychological, and future damages can be challenging to put into words, let alone numbers. That’s where a skilled California car accident attorney comes in. They understand how to tell your story, gather the right evidence, and ensure that every hardship, visible or not, is brought to light.

Reason 4: Insurance Companies Are Not Always on Your Side

Insurance companies are businesses, and like any business, their goal is to minimize costs and maximize profits. They can do the following to reduce your compensation, or worse, dismiss your case.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

  • They may offer you a quick payout that’s much lower than what your claim is truly worth, hoping you’ll accept out of urgency or lack of knowledge.
  • Some insurers intentionally drag out the process, hoping you’ll give up or settle for less due to financial pressure.
  • They might argue that their policyholder wasn’t at fault, you lack evidence to support your case, or even try to place blame on you to reduce or deny your compensation.
  • Insurance adjusters may question the severity of your injuries or argue that your medical treatment wasn’t necessary or related to the accident.
  • Anything you say, especially without legal guidance, can be used to twist your words and hurt your case.
  • They may burden you with paperwork or demand unnecessary proof, all to stall or challenge your car accident claim.
  • They might encourage a fast settlement before you’ve had time to undergo full medical evaluations or treatments.
  • Some insurers will investigate your social media or hire private investigators to find “evidence” that contradicts your injury claims.
  • They may try to deny coverage for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or long-term complications.

A dedicated car accident attorney will protect your interests, negotiate with the insurers, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.

Reason 5: Proving Fault Isn’t Always Easy, Even When It Seems Obvious

You know the truth. You were there. The other driver was reckless and negligent. But when it comes to the legal system, what you know and what you can prove are often two very different things.

Even if the fault seems obvious to you, the insurance company may not see it that way. They may twist the facts, downplay your injuries, or claim that you were partially to blame. Suddenly, your straightforward case becomes a complicated back-and-forth, and you’re left trying to navigate it while you’re still hurting, physically and emotionally.

That’s where a skilled personal injury lawyer comes in.

An experienced attorney knows how to gather the right evidence, consult the appropriate experts, and build a case that speaks the truth loudly and clearly. They’ll help prove liability and ensure it’s all documented effectively and thoroughly.

You deserve to focus on healing, not fighting with insurance adjusters or decoding legal jargon. A California personal injury lawyer steps in to protect your rights, tell your story the right way, and make sure you’re not silenced by red tape or fine print.

If I Don’t Accept the Initial Offer, Who Covers the Medical Bills?

It’s common for insurance companies to make a quick first offer after an accident, but that offer is often much lower than what you truly need to cover your medical care and long-term recovery. If you choose not to accept it (and in many cases, you shouldn’t), your bills don’t just disappear. So, who pays in the meantime?

  • Your Health Insurance

In many cases, your own health insurance can step in to cover medical treatment while your claim is pending. Later, if you receive a settlement, your health insurer may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance through a process called subrogation.

  • Med-Pay Coverage (If Available)

If you carry Medical Payments Coverage (Med-Pay) as part of your auto insurance policy, this can help pay medical bills regardless of fault. Med-Pay is optional in California, but it’s a valuable resource for covering immediate costs.

  • Liens or Deferred Billing

Sometimes, hospitals and doctors agree to treat accident victims under a lien arrangement. This means they’ll delay collecting payment until after your case is resolved. Instead of billing you upfront, they place a claim against your eventual settlement.

  • Out-of-Pocket Costs

Unfortunately, some victims have to cover initial expenses themselves, especially if they don’t have health insurance or Med-Pay. However, these costs can still be recovered later as part of your compensation.

If you don’t accept the first offer, you’re not left without options. While you wait for a fair settlement, your health insurance, Med-Pay, or a lien arrangement can help bridge the gap. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through these options, protect you from unfair collection tactics, and fight to make sure your final compensation covers all your medical bills.

Should I Get a California Personal Injury Lawyer for a Minor Car Crash?

After a fender bender or a seemingly “minor” crash, it’s tempting to just move on, especially if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. But here’s the truth: even minor accidents can turn into major headaches.

Pain may creep in days later. Vehicle damage may cost more than expected. And insurance companies? They might minimize your car accident claim, offer a quick lowball settlement, or even suggest you were partly to blame. It’s frustrating and unfair.

You don’t have to manage confusing paperwork or go head-to-head with adjusters on your own. An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights, negotiate a fair settlement, and, if needed, take your case to court.

It might feel like “just a small accident,” but your health, your peace of mind, and your financial stability deserve real protection. Even for minor accidents, legal support can make a major difference.

Can I Talk to the Insurers Without Legal Guidance?

You can talk to the insurance company on your own, but should you?

Right after an accident, insurers may seem helpful and sympathetic. But it’s important to remember: they’re not on your side. Their job is to protect their bottom line, not yours. That means they might record your statement, twist your words, or push you to accept a fast, lowball settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries or damages.

Without legal guidance, you could unknowingly say something that harms your claim or agree to an offer that doesn’t even begin to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term recovery.

Speaking to insurers without a lawyer is like walking into a negotiation without knowing the rules. They hold the playbook, and you’re expected to guess the next move.

With a personal injury lawyer on your side, you level the playing field. You’ll have someone to shield you from pressure, handle all communication, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Because when your health, finances, and future are on the line, you shouldn’t have to face it alone.

I Can’t Afford to Hire an Attorney. Can I Still File a Car Accident Claim?

Yes, and more importantly, you should. Being injured or wronged in an accident shouldn’t come with a financial burden just to stand up for yourself.

Justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income. That’s why most personal injury attorneys, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. No upfront fees. No hidden costs. No risk.

You’ll also find that many California personal injury law firms offer free consultations, giving you a chance to understand your rights without pressure or obligation. Because the truth is, you deserve answers and the opportunity to pursue compensation, without worrying about how to afford it.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Car Accident Do?

After a car accident, it’s natural to think that letting the insurance company handle everything will be enough. They may even offer you a quick settlement, enough to cover car repairs or a trip to the ER. But that fast offer is often just a tactic to get you to settle for far less than what you need to recover, both physically and financially.

This is where a skilled California personal injury attorney comes in. They understand that your case is about your well-being, your future, and getting the support you deserve to heal. So, they will do their best to help you recover fully, physically, financially, and emotionally. 

Here’s how a compassionate lawyer stands by your side:

  • Legal Guidance with Empathy

    They understand California’s legal system inside and out and cut through the complexities to protect your rights every step of the way.

  • True Value Assessment

    A lawyer looks beyond the immediate expenses to calculate the full impact of your injuries. They make sure you get what your case is truly worth.

  • Relentless Negotiation

    Insurance companies have trained adjusters to minimize their payout. Your lawyer is just as skilled at negotiating for your best interests, not just a quick settlement.

  • Courtroom Representation

    If negotiations don’t lead to the settlement you deserve, your lawyer will take your case to court, ensuring your story is heard and your needs are addressed.

  • Peace of Mind

    After an accident, you shouldn’t be overwhelmed by endless phone calls, paperwork, and deadlines. Your lawyer takes that burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on healing.

While you’re not required to have a lawyer, the truth is that insurance companies work to protect their profits, not your future. Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side gives you the best chance at securing the compensation you truly deserve.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve helped thousands of injured individuals and families get the justice and compensation they deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery and peace of mind.

Call 562-620-5912 today for your free consultation. We’re here to fight for you, every step of the way.

Hurt in a collision? Our car accident lawyers are here to fight for you. Contact us now for a complimentary California personal injury consultation.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Our clients’ words speak volumes. They trust us to handle their cases with the seriousness and dedication they deserve:

My husband and I are thrilled with the results of our case. They solved it very, very fast! We will refer our friends if they need a lawyer who takes the cases seriously. And they also speak Spanish.” – Lucia R.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

We understand that navigating a car accident claim can be confusing. To help, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive. These insights can help you better understand your case and next steps:

References

Code of Civil Procedure – CCP PART 2. OF CIVIL ACTIONS [307 – 1062.34]. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1

subrogation | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Law.Cornell.Edu. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/Subrogation