Serving Clients throughout the State of California
Thousands of people are injured in car accidents on a daily basis. Car crashes are some of the most common causes of serious injuries. If you or a family member have has been injured in an auto accident in California, BD&J California car accident injury lawyers are here to help.
Representing injury victims since our establishment in 2007 and with more than $3 billion* in compensation recovered for clients, our team brings proven experience to your case. Our California accident attorneys understand how challenging it can be to pursue justice when you are dealing with medical bills, health complications, missed time at work, and the emotional and physical exhaustion of being involved in an accident. If you’re looking for a California car accident attorney or an auto accident attorney in California, we’re here to help.
Car accident not your fault? Let our skilled accident attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today!
Key Takeaways
- In 2025, California saw over 162,939 crashes that led to injuries or fatalities, with Los Angeles County being the county with the most accidents (TIMS).
- Car accidents can be caused by various factors, including distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding.
- Filing a personal injury claim can help injured drivers and their passengers recover medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and more.
- California Car accident lawyers from BD&J can help you in the pursuit of rightful compensation after an accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Many California crashes involve preventable driver choices or dangerous roadway conditions. Common causes include:
Distracted driving: Looking away for a text, GPS directions, or even “hands-free” tasks can be enough to cause a collision. NHTSA reports 3,208 people were killed in distracted-driving crashes in 2024.
DUI: Alcohol and drug impairment can affect judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
Reckless or aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage behaviors can put everyone at risk.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, missing signage, inadequate lighting, and construction hazards can contribute to serious collisions.
Types of Car Accidents in California
Our attorney team has extensive experience handling collisions of all types, including:
Head-on collisions: This is when two vehicles crash front-to-front.
Intersection accidents: Collisions at intersections are often caused by running red lights or failing to yield.
Hit-and-run accidents: This is when a driver leaves the scene without providing contact information or assisting the injured parties. If you can’t identify the at-fault driver, your uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help pay for injuries and other losses.
Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions often happen when following too closely or driving distracted.
Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipes happen when two vehicles travel side-by-side and make contact. This can result in loss of control and even subsequent crashes.
Multi-vehicle pileups: Complex accidents usually involve multiple cars and can cause serious injuries and property damage to many people.
Call us now to talk to a California car accident injury attorney from BD&J.
Recent California Car Accident Stats
California’s large population, high commercial presence, and tourist destinations ensure plenty of people are traveling throughout state roads and highways. Recent California car accident numbers show us:
- 162,939 crashes in California in 2025 led to fatalities or injuries (TIMS).
- Los Angeles County has the most crashes of any county in the state, with over 40,000 recorded in 2025 (TIMS).
- 41% of drivers killed in California in 2024 had BAC levels higher than 0.08% (IIHS).
- 73% of vehicle crash deaths in California happened in urban areas (IIHS).
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
If you’re involved in a car accident, the next steps can be crucial. Doing the following can help protect your well-being and support a potential claim.
- Get to safety (if you can): Move yourself and your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries.
- Call 911 and ask for help: Request medical assistance and law enforcement so your injuries are documented, and you can receive a police report.
- Get medical care right away: Even if you feel “okay,” symptoms can take hours or days to show up. Follow up with your doctor and keep all records.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Get names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and witness contact information.
- Protect your claim: Avoid apologizing or admitting fault, and don’t give recorded statements to an insurance company before you understand your rights. Then contact BD&J for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
The most common car crash injuries in California include:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury usually caused by a sudden jerking motion. It’s most often seen in rear-end collisions.
Broken bones: Bone fractures can happen in any part of the body, but are particularly common in the arms, legs, and ribs.
Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common in severe accidents. These are especially serious since they potentially lead to long-term cognitive issues.
Suffered a serious head injury due to another driver’s negligence? Talk to the BD&J team by calling (855) 906-3699 today!
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity, and may require extensive therapy to manage.
Internal injuries: High-impact crashes can cause damage to internal organs or internal bleeding that requires immediate medical attention.
Cuts and bruises: Even seemingly minor cuts, bruises, and lacerations can require treatment and careful documentation, especially if they become infected, leave scarring, or point to a more serious underlying injury.
Amputations and disfigurement: The sheer impact of a car accident, exposure to hot car parts, and the weight of vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries like amputation of limbs or facial disfigurement that can further lead to infections, decreased quality of life, and more.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, you might need medical attention right away. Our experienced car accident lawyers in California can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and recovery.
How Negligence Is Proven in a California Car Accident Case
The outcome of many car accident lawsuits hinges on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person or entity behaves in a careless manner that results in injury or harm to another person.
Under the law, a person is required to exercise reasonable care whenever they are driving a motor vehicle, essentially staying aware of any pedestrians, road obstacles, or other drivers. In addition, they are responsible for controlling the speed of their vehicle. If they fail to exercise this care, it can be considered negligence.
BD&J can help you determine if negligence was involved so the responsible party can be held liable. In order to prove negligence, you may need to show:
- The defendant owed a duty to the injured party (plaintiff)
- The defendant breached this duty in some way
- That breach specifically caused the victim’s injuries
- The harm could have been reasonably predicted based on the negligence
- The victim suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)
Depending on the case, the defendant may be automatically presumed negligent and will need to prove otherwise to avoid paying damages. For example, if they were in clear violation of driving laws, whether due to drunk driving, right-of-way violations, or something similar.
Our California car accident lawyers can not only hold the negligent party responsible, but also thoroughly assess your case to determine if there were any third parties that may have led to the accident, such as Uber, Lyft, Postmates, DoorDash, construction companies, bartenders, employers, local municipalities, and more. We can also assist with wrongful death claims if your loved one died in the accident.
Protect your rights and your future. Talk to a BD&J injury lawyer now! Available 24/7
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue After a Car Crash?
Were you in a car accident? How much compensation can you expect to receive? The answer depends on numerous factors, and there isn’t an average settlement for a car accident case.
Once your attorney knows the details of the case, they can better determine what compensation you might be able to pursue for the highest possible settlement. There are several factors that will likely impact the value of your claim. These include:
- The type of insurance policy each party holds, and the associated coverage limits.
- Ability to thoroughly document the scene of the accident and collect evidence that proves liability.
- The extent of current and future medical treatments, medications, and hospital stays.
- Your attorney’s ability to negotiate a full and fair settlement with insurance agents.
- The time it takes to return to work or the need to find alternate employment after the accident.
- Property damage associated with the accident (vehicles, homes, belongings, etc.)
- The overall impact on your life and family, now and in the future.
Compensation for Your Car Accident Case
We can help you obtain 3 categories of compensation for your case. These include:
Economic damages: Car accidents can lead to a serious of expenses, which is why a lawsuit can help you recover the compensation to cover them. Economic damages often cover:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for surgery, medication, rehab, and any future medical treatments needed after the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries keep you out of work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income, including future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: This is for repairing or replacing your vehicle and getting you into a rental car in the meantime.
Non-economic damages: Losses that don’t come with a receipt, including pain and suffering and the emotional distress caused by the accident.
Punitive damages: In limited cases involving especially dangerous or egregious conduct, such as DUI, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter the wrongdoing.
The BD&J team can help you get the results that you want and need. Contact our legal team today for the guidance you need through your case!
Having represented California crash victims since our formation in 2007 and with $3 billion* in compensation recovered for clients, BD&J is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to contact our legal team for the guidance you need through your case!
How Our California Car Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
Here is what you can expect when you work with BD&J Injury Lawyers:
- Assess your case: We start by evaluating the details of your accident to determine the strength of your case and identify the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
- Identify your damages: We can help you collect your medical records, insurance paperwork, property appraisals, and more to strengthen your claim for damages.
- Determine the cause: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements and surveillance footage.
- Make a case for negligence: We build a strong case by proving the other party’s negligence or fault, which is essential for securing compensation in car accident claims.
- File your claim: Our attorneys handle all the paperwork and legal formalities required to file your claim to ensure everything is done correctly from the start.
- Defend you in court: We represent you in court and in settlement negotiations, advocate for your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Negotiate settlements: We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages and losses. Our reputation and track record of success ensure your claim is taken seriously.
- Provide free consultation: Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case, answer any questions, and provide the information you need to move forward.
How to File a California Car Accident Claim
How can you start your car accident claim? Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown.
- Collect evidence: Photos, videos (including dashcam footage), contact information, medical records, a police report, and more will be important for proving what happened and who is responsible.
- Notify insurance: Most policies have a deadline for filing claims, so make sure to check your insurance policy and notify your insurance company of the impending claim.
- Get in touch with a California car accident attorney: Sit down for a FREE consultation with a trusted legal expert for guidance on your case.
- File the claim: Either with your attorney or on your own, fill out forms and submit evidence that shows who is responsible for the accident.
Important deadlines: California’s statute of limitations is generally two years for personal injury claims, but claims involving government entities can have a much shorter timeline. Waiting too long can limit your options.
How long a claim can take: Some cases resolve in a matter of months, while severe injury claims often take longer because your medical team may need time to understand your prognosis and whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before settlement negotiations can accurately value your damages.
Complete our online form to connect with our California car accident lawyers and get started on your claim!
Dedicated to Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Our Clients
The BD&J team has a combined legal experience of over 100 years working on all manner of car accident cases and has won a combined $3 billion* in compensation for clients. Our trusted California car accident lawyers are committed to supporting you and your family during a difficult time and won’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at some of our case results to learn more about recent successful representations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After Being in a Car Accident?
Prioritize your health and well-being after a car crash and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s important to get injuries evaluated as soon as possible to prevent worsening symptoms or permanent damage. This also creates a medical record for the crash.
What Caused My Car Accident?
Reasons for car accidents typically fall into one of two categories: Those caused by driver error and those not caused by driver error. Driver error accidents typically occur due to reckless driving, such as failure to comply with traffic laws. Collisions can also be caused by dangerous road conditions, adverse weather, and vehicle failure or defective parts.
Who Else Could Be at Fault if it Wasn’t the Driver?
In cases where accidents are caused by poor road conditions or improper signage, the local municipality could be found responsible. Alternatively, if the accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction, the manufacturer or a mechanic could be liable.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call our car accident lawyers in California today and make sure you get fair compensation.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident, or Can I Handle the Claim Myself?
No, car accidents do not require legal representation, and sometimes claims are easy to handle on your own if there are few disputes and minor injuries, if any. However, if your accident involves severe injuries, liability disputes, or any other complication, it’s a good idea to talk to a California car accident attorney for a FREE case review.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in California?
Most California car crash law firms don’t charge until they win your case. This is called a contingency fee, where your lawyer is paid a percentage of your final compensation rather than charging an hourly rate. This often works to your advantage because, unlike hourly attorneys who may extend billable hours to increase their paycheck, contingency attorneys must provide the best possible results to be paid for their hours worked.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?
Yes, California has a comparative negligence law that allows victims to pursue compensation for an accident even if they are partially responsible for the accident. In this situation, your final compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are found to have. If your award is $100,000 but you are found 10% liable for the crash, you can recover a maximum of $90,000.
Will I Have to Go to Court, or Can My Case Be Settled Out of Court?
Filing a lawsuit for a car accident does not automatically mean you will have to go to court. In reality, a vast majority of these cases are settled through negotiations and will not need to go to trial. However, if a trial is necessary, a car accident attorney in California will help you prepare for court and will argue your case tirelessly to get you what you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In general, California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. If your claim involves a government entity (for example, a dangerous road condition tied to a public agency), deadlines can be much shorter. Missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, your own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. A lawyer can also look for other sources of recovery, such as additional responsible parties or applicable policies.
How Long Does a Car Settlement Take in California?
Some claims settle in a few months, while others can take a year or longer. Timing often depends on how clear liability is, how quickly you complete treatment, and how the insurance company responds during negotiations.
Why Should I Work with BD&J?
BD&J has tirelessly fought for injured drivers and passengers since our establishment in 2007 and has recovered $3 billion* in compensation for clients. If you need a California car accident attorney, our team is ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Are BD&J Attorneys Bilingual?
Absolutely! Connect with our attorneys who are fluent in Spanish, French, Farsi, Armenian, Hebrew, and more.
Reach out to schedule your FREE consultation today and start pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
