5 New California Personal Injury Laws to Know in 2026
New legislation has come into effect this year in California, and the California personal injury attorneys at BD&J are here to explain these changes. These laws are an answer to some of the most pressing topics in the state and throughout the country, such as AI liability, disclosure of immigration status, and more.
Keep reading to learn more about the new laws coming into effect, and how they could affect a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one were hurt by the negligent or reckless acts of another party, you should be talking to a personal injury attorney from BD&J to learn about filing a claim!
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- New California laws coming into effect in 2026 include an extension on workplace sexual assault claims, protection of minors from harmful AI responses, use of masks by police, and more
- These laws can affect a personal injury case where a person is directly injured by the negligent or careless acts of another entity
- A personal injury firm can help bring a claim forward in the face of legal complexities and regulations
- BD&J is a dedicated law firm helping Californians recover compensation for injuries
What is a Personal Injury?
Personal injury encompasses any incident where a person is seriously injured by the negligence, inaction, or recklessness of another person, company, or entity.
Personal injury attorneys focus on bringing these claims for injured clients in California. The basis of a personal injury case depends on establishing a breach in a duty of care. For example, a driver has a duty of care toward other motorists on the road, and a breach of this care would be driving distracted, driving aggressively, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Common personal injury accidents include:
- Car accidents, like rear-end accident, sideswipe accident, and head-on collisions
- Truck accidents, like wide-turn accidents, spilled cargo accidents, and jackknife accidents
- Accidentes por mordedura de perro
- Construction accidents, such as being electrocuted, crushed by machinery, or falling from elevated heights
- Pedestrian accidents, which occur when pedestrians are hit by cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.
- Workplace accidents, including slip-and-falls, assaults, and commercial vehicle accidents
New California Personal Injury Laws Coming into Effect in 2026
New California laws are meant to answer some of the most pressing topics in the state today, to serve residents of California and allow better advancements in technology, law, and of course, the rights of all locals. The personal injury attorneys at BD&J are here to explain how these new laws impact you.
The following legislation has come into effect in 2026:
- SB 627
This law makes it a crime for any law enforcement officer to wear a mask or other facial covering while performing their duties. This is not just pertaining to officers of state agencies in California, but also federal agents and police officers from another state.
- AB 250
AB 250, also known as the Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act, lengthens the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims against a perpetrator and other involved entities who covered it up until December 31st, 2027. This act is especially helpful for sexual assault incidents in the workplace, where the victim was later wrongfully terminated.
- SB 53
Senate Bill 53 will be used to regulate largescale AI programs for safety, including incident reporting, risk assessments, and overall transparency when it comes to the training material, acquisitions, and maintenance of the models. This bill will also protect whistleblowers when AI frontier programs pose significant health and safety risks.
- SB 243
Recognized as the birthplace of AI and hosting 32 de la 50 top AI companies in the world, it’s only right that California continues to shape laws that protect the public while regulating such a massive industry. SB 243 will be used in the regulation of AI chatbots, especially AI chatbots being used by minors.
The bill will enforce guardrails for AI companion chatbots being used by underage residents, including active prevention of having the AI program expose minors to sexual content, constant notifications reminding the minors that the chatbot is AI-generated, and will also have protocols when a minor expresses suicidal ideations and other harmful behaviors.
Esta ley also enables families to pursue legal action against negligent or reckless developers in the case of injuries or death after a minor interacts with an AI-chatbot.
- AB 495
Assembly Bill 495, also known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, requires local education agencies to inform parents and other guardians of minors about their children’s right to a free education, regardless of immigration status.
This bill prohibits schools and other education agencies from collecting information about pupils and families regarding their immigration status, as well as allows parents and guardians to designate caregivers for their children in the event of a separation for immigration enforcement, incarceration, and other events.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney in California Help My Case?
If you or a loved one is injured in the event of police brutality where an officer was wearing a facial covering, or perhaps even a minor who was injured while taking advice from an unregulated AI-chatbot, there may be a personal injury case in your hands.
While recovering from injuries and other emotional or mental turmoil, a personal law firm can help ease your mind and represent your claim with expertise and compassion. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Presentar la reclamación inicial
- Recolectar evidencia
- Interview expert witnesses for accident reconstruction
- Advise you on the value of your claim
- Negotiate a fair settlement that encompasses all your injury-related expenses
- Complete all claim communications on your behalf
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I Have to go to the Hospital to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Absolutely. Even if you don’t feel injury symptoms or you think you only suffered a minor injury in your accident, you must go to the hospital.
Some injuries can take hours or days to show symptoms, and skipping the hospital minimizes your injuries when filing a claim.
What if I Can’t Afford My Injury Treatments?
Financial strain is common for many people involved in personal injury accidents, but speaking to an attorney can connect you to resources for your medical treatments. At BD&J, we advance all case costs to clients, including medical expenses.
¿Cuánto tiempo tengo para presentar un reclamo por lesiones personales?
You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you are filing a claim against a government agency, you have 6 months from the date of injury.
What Should I Do After Being Injured in an Accident?
Don’t panic. Report the accident to the police for a report, seek immediate medical treatment, and then consult with an attorney on whether you have the basis for a personal injury lawsuit.
Can I Still File a Personal Injury Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Definitely! California is a comparative negligence state, which means that people at fault in an accident can still recover compensation for their injuries.
The compensation amount is simply reduced by their percentage of fault. As an example, if you recover $100,000 in damages but are found to be 40% at fault for the accident, you would receive $60,000.
What Information Should I Share with a Personal Injury Attorney About My Case?
Remember, a personal injury attorney representing your claim is on your side and needs to know all the facts of the case. This means you should be sharing the exact version of events as they happened, and also share your current situation after the accident, including any medical treatments you’re receiving, expenses, and more.
How Soon Can a Personal Injury Attorney from BD&J Provide a Consultation for My Case?
As soon as possible. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to book your free initial consultation.
Why is BD&J the Top Personal Injury Law Firm for My Case?
At BD&J, we see every client that walks through our doors as more than just a number. We take on every case with compassion and a commitment to justice.
With more than $2 billion* recovered in compensation for injured Californians and their families, you can be confident our team of attorneys will seek to recover the most compensation for your injuries.
How To Start a Personal Injury Claim
Starting a personal injury claim may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be when you’re working with a legal professional. Start your personal injury claim by following these steps:
- Collect all evidence related to the accident. – This can include photos and videos (including dashcam footage) of the scene of the accident and any vehicles involved, eyewitness information, and medical documentation of injuries.
- Do not put off going to the hospital. – Even if you don’t feel any pain or symptoms after your accident, do not put off going to the hospital, as some injuries may not show symptoms for hours or even a day or two after the accident.
- Research personal injury law firms in California. – Through word of mouth and online reviews, look for personal injury law firms in California that have represented cases similar to yours.
- Book your consultation with a personal injury attorney. – Nothing will tell you more about a law firm than sitting down with one of their personal injury attorneys to discuss your case and learn more about their representation tactics.
BD&J is a Committed Law Firm Representing California for More than 20 Years
New legislation in California means a change in legalities for certain personal injury cases, including emphasizing liability. If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligent or reckless acts of another person, don’t face this legal battle alone.
BD&J is a dedicated personal injury law firm that has relentlessly represented California for more than 20 years in the fight for rightful compensation in the aftermath of serious car accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and more. We’re ready to fight for you.
Call BD&J now to book your free initial consultation with one of our attorneys!