Have you been in a car wreck? Every day in California, accidents are being caused by irresponsible drivers – whether they’re on their phone, eating, playing with the radio, or engaged in any other activity that keeps their eyes off the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by another individual or entity’s negligence, you need a dedicated personal injury attorney on your side.
At The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, we understand that this is a time filled with uncertainty and doubt, but we are committed to standing by your side every step of the way. Our trusted car accident attorneys won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Insurance adjusters move fast, talking to you early before you know what your claim is really worth. My advice is always the same: don’t sign anything and don’t give a statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Ready to chat now? Call one of our locations listed below, or send us a quick message online to schedule your free case consultation.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents
Despite efforts by law enforcement and other entities to increase public awareness of these issues, many drivers still engage in behaviors that impair their ability to drive safely.
As car crash injury lawyers with 36 years of legal experience, we have seen it all:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Automobile defects
- Speeding and disobeying traffic laws
Whatever caused the accident, it can be overwhelming to navigate insurance, auto repairs, and personal recovery—whether physical or mental—on your own. With a car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold on your side, we’ll help with the logistical side of things so you can focus on your recovery.
Talk with one of our lawyers during your free case consultation and learn what’s possible for you.
Types of Car Accidents
Not every car wreck is the same. The cause, type of collision, and injuries involved can all affect your case.
Rear-End Accidents
One of the most common types of accidents is a rear-end crash. At first glance, one might assume this is a minor car accident that doesn’t inflict severe injuries. However, our California car accident attorneys know that even a seemingly minor rear-end crash can cause painful injuries, such as concussions, fractured vertebrae, or major sprains of the spine.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Operating a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol means impaired judgment, slowed reflexes, and other problems that make a driver less safe and put anyone on the road in danger. We frequently help victims of drunk driving accidents get the compensation they deserve.
Pedestrian Accidents
Anyone who’s walked modern city streets knows it’s a jungle out there for pedestrians. People are driving faster than ever, and with more distractions like calls, texts, and instant notifications, pedestrians are getting caught in the crosshairs.
Injuries from pedestrian accidents can be grievous, since the human body is no match against a speeding automobile. A person could wake up in a hospital with broken bones and have no idea what they’re supposed to do next. Some insurance companies will take advantage of this stupor, attempting to settle valuable injury claims for pennies on the dollar.
T-Bone Accidents
Our experience has shown that T-bone or other broadside collisions can be extremely serious. They produce some of the highest rates of fractures, brain damage, and other severe injuries. The mechanics of the crash mean that the vehicle’s passengers absorb the brunt of any T-bone collision. This type of accident has a much more serious outcome than that of other, smaller kinds of impacts.
Texting-While-Driving Accidents
The newest plague of accidents to hit California is one you’ve likely heard about: drivers texting on their cell phones instead of watching the road. Driving something as large and powerful as a modern car is difficult enough without electronic distractions – once you throw in texting, it’s simply impossible. Attention that would normally go to safe driving is devoted instead to notifications on a small handheld screen. And it only takes a few distracted moments to cause an accident.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are popular among people of all ages; however, it’s no secret that riding a motorcycle comes with risks. Riders may love to feel the open air around them, but they’re still sitting in the open without any protection in the event of an accident. There’s nothing to protect their bodies from impacts against the ground or other vehicles. This can lead to very serious injuries during a motorcycle accident.
Truck Accidents
Getting hit by an 18-wheeler or big rig is quite dangerous. They are by far the largest vehicles on the road and can have a devastating effect if caught in a collision. Toss in specialized rules and regulations governing the trucking industry, and victims of truck accidents may find themselves outmatched in the courtroom.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are a driver’s worst nightmare. Many start in a similar fashion: one moment, a driver is traveling down the road, but due to an unexpected loss of control, the vehicle’s wheels leave the ground, and the car takes flight. The impact is violent, and many victims are in a state of shock after such a frightening event. Due to the combined pressure of mounting medical bills and a wrecked vehicle, many injured claimants feel completely overwhelmed when they’re dealing with insurance companies.
At The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, we have the expertise to handle whatever type of accident you’ve been in. Reach out to us for a free case review, and we’ll talk you through the next steps.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Car accidents happen at unexpected times, leaving many car accident victims flustered and overwhelmed. If you’ve been in a collision, here’s what to do after a car accident:
- Make sure everyone is okay. Be sure that all affected parties receive the care and medical attention they need, both at the scene and afterward at a doctor’s office. Even a “minor” accident can cause serious damage and debilitating injuries, so check on everyone involved. Medical records play an important role in your injury claim, and having everything documented by independent evidence as soon as possible helps.
- Document everything. Take pictures of your car from multiple angles before leaving the place of the accident (or have someone do it for you if you’re badly injured). Take pictures of your bruises, cuts, scrapes, or other injuries that same day or the next. Document them as they develop, too.
- Gather contact information from the driver who hit you and any witnesses. Get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Never talk to anyone who tries to contact you from the other driver’s insurance. Speak to your personal injury lawyer first.
- Call the police. A police report documents the date, time, and location, identifies the parties involved, and can provide an initial assessment of fault, especially if any citations are given to the other driver. Be sure to document the name and badge number of the responding officer(s). Don’t let the other driver stop you from calling the police or getting their information. Both are important for your case.
- Notify your insurance provider. Let them know that you have been in an accident.
- Hire a car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold. We are here to protect and represent your interests. Call for a free consultation to see if you have a case.
These are only some of your next steps as an injured claimant, and fortunately, you don’t need to have all the answers yourself. A skilled car accident attorney from our firm can help secure valuable information and obtain the evidence necessary to hold the responsible parties accountable for your damages.
Car Accident Settlement Timelines in California
Though the aftermath of a car accident can feel like a whirlwind, it’s crucial to know the California statute of limitations. This is a mistake we often see: victims of car accidents not knowing the deadlines for filing a claim.
Don’t miss your chance to file a claim and get the compensation you’re owed.
Type of Claim | Deadline | Statute |
| Most Injury Claims | 2 years from the date you were hurt | California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) Section 335.1 |
| Wrongful Death, As a Result of a Car Accident | 2 years from the date of death, not the date of the accident | California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) Section 335.1 |
| Injury Caused by a City, County, State Agency, or Public School | 6 months to file a written claim with that agency (including for minors) | California Government Code Section 911.2 |
| Filing a Lawsuit After a Government Agency Denies Your Claim | 6 months from the denial notice | Government Code 945.6 |
| The Injured Person Is Under 18 | The 2-year clock usually pauses until their 18th birthday (except in cases against a government entity) | California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) 352 |
There are a few things to be aware of for certain claims:
- A Wrongful Death Timeline Begins on the Date of Death: If your loved one lived for a few weeks or months after an accident, this timeline begins on the date of death, not the date of the accident.
- Accidents Involving Government Agencies Are Only Six Months: If it’s a city bus, a county truck, or something else managed by the government that causes your accident, you only get six months to file a claim. That rule applies to both minors and adults.
- A Late-Appearing Injury Can Move the ‘Start’ Date: The timeline to file a claim can begin when you discover the injury instead of when it happened, as some injuries may not appear right away. This is a narrow exception, though, and not the rule.
Worried about meeting deadlines? Call or schedule your free case review with one of our car accident attorneys and find the support you need.
California Comparative Negligence: What Happens When You Are Also at Fault
In California, you are still entitled to recover compensation for your injuries and damages to property after a car accident, even if you are partly at fault. What you can collect will be reduced by your share of the fault, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recover anything.
At The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, we understand California comparative negligence, and we will push back on unfair blame to make sure you recover as much as possible.
Car Accident Claims: What Your Insurance Policy Covers
Not all compensation comes from the other driver’s insurance. Your own policy may cover costs right away, even before fault is decided.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay is optional auto insurance in California that covers medical bills and funeral costs for you and your passengers. Compensation is independent of who caused the accident, so check your policy to see if you have it.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, this coverage helps pay for your injuries and losses.
Collision Coverage
Usually required when leasing or financing your car, this coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, regardless of who’s at fault.
Why This Matters
With fine print, deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits, knowing what your policy covers isn’t always straightforward. Some policies require you to notify your insurer of an accident within a certain window, so it’s important to act quickly.
Our auto accident lawyers can help you understand what your insurance policy covers, file an insurance claim, and get the coverage you need.
Let Car Accident Lawyers from Max G. Arnold Fight for You
When your life has been upended by a car wreck, you need dedicated personal injury attorneys to help with your auto accident claim in California.
At The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, we have been helping injured people and their families for more than 36 years. We know how insurance companies operate, what slows down a case, and when to push harder.
We are a family-run firm that’s dedicated to getting you the justice you need. We handle everything from car and bicycle accidents to dog bites and wrongful death. Our Spanish-speaking staff is always on hand, so language is never a barrier when it comes to getting what you’re owed.
Your first consultation is free, and you don’t pay anything until we win. Call today and get the process started.
Car Accident Attorneys FAQs
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. If you try filing a case outside of this time frame, it’s very likely that the court will dismiss your case, and you will have lost your opportunity to recover any damages.
Delaying the filing of a claim or case can be detrimental to your outcome, which is why you should not wait to put a skilled California car accident lawyer on your side. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is pursued.
Does insurance cover my crash?
Depending on your policy, your insurance company may cover some of the expenses of your car crash. Through policies like MedPay, underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, and collision coverage, you may receive some compensation from your insurance company.
Do I need to file a car accident lawsuit, or can I settle with the insurance company?
Many claims are resolved through insurance settlements. But if an insurance company denies your claim, undervalues your injuries, or refuses to pay fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover the damages you’re owed. Either way, a car crash injury lawyer from our firm is ready to fight for you.
What should I do if I suffered broken bones in a car accident?
If you’ve suffered broken bones or experienced any other serious injuries during a car accident, get medical treatment right away and keep detailed records of everything. Documenting x-rays, doctors’ notes, and treatment plans builds a strong case for pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How long does a car accident case take to resolve?
Every car accident case is different. Some personal injury claims can be settled within a few months if the car accident injuries are minor. Others may take a year or longer when injuries are more serious and fault is disputed.