{"id":371743,"date":"2016-09-21T18:14:35","date_gmt":"2016-09-21T23:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-01-03T12:13:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T17:13:00","slug":"california-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">California Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">Garrett Monteagudo, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            January 03, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Auto accidents are common on the freeways of California. Knowing the California car accident compensation laws is essential for all drivers. This article discusses what you need to know about California car accidents, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Insurance coverage<\/li>\r\n<li>What to do after an accident<\/li>\r\n<li>How to get appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Auto Insurance Coverage in California<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Let&#8217;s start with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-laws-by-state.html\">car insurance and the insurance code<\/a>. All vehicles in California must have auto insurance. You must carry proof of insurance with you at all times. You must provide your insurance information to law enforcement and other drivers after a car accident, along with your driver&#8217;s license and contact information.<\/p>\r\n<p>All California drivers must have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-car-insurance-information.html\">minimum liability insurance policies<\/a>. Liability insurance compensates other drivers and passengers for all damages suffered in a car accident. You must obtain the following coverage from your insurance company:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>$15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person<\/li>\r\n<li>$30,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person<\/li>\r\n<li>$5,000 for damage to property<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The State of California presumes all drivers have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/do-i-need-underinsured-motorist-coverage.html\">uninsured motorist\/underinsured motorist coverage<\/a> (UM\/UIM). This insurance protects you if the other motorist does not have insurance but is responsible for the accident. UM\/UIM insurance pays for the damage the uninsured motorist&#8217;s insurance should have covered.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can arrange with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a> as an alternative to insurance. You can meet the insurance requirement by depositing $35,000 with the DMV. It is easier and cheaper to have UM\/UIM coverage.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What Should You Do After an Accident in California?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Here is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-checklist.html\">list of what to do<\/a> if you are in an accident:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Don&#8217;t leave the scene. Leaving the scene of the accident, even if it&#8217;s minor, is illegal.<\/li>\r\n<li>Get to safety out of traffic and check everyone for injuries (and consider providing first aid to any car accident victims).<\/li>\r\n<li>Call the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chp.ca.gov\/home\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Highway Patrol<\/a> or the police department for help and medical assistance. Get a copy of the police report or accident report. If the police don&#8217;t respond, the dispatcher will give you the incident number.<\/li>\r\n<li>Get insurance information from the other drivers and contact information from passengers and witnesses.<\/li>\r\n<li>Take pictures of the scene if possible. Check with nearby businesses or homeowners for a copy of their security camera footage if you are able.<\/li>\r\n<li>Call your insurance adjuster and notify them of a possible car accident claim.<\/li>\r\n<li>See your doctor as soon as possible.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Fault and Pure Comparative Negligence<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>California is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-laws-by-state.html\">&quot;at fault&quot; insurance state<\/a>. The at-fault party&#8217;s insurance pays for all damages in a car crash. Proof of fault comes from:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Medical records<\/li>\r\n<li>Accident reports<\/li>\r\n<li>Witness statements<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>California is a &quot;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-negligence-laws.html\">pure comparative negligence<\/a>&quot; jurisdiction. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your settlement is reduced by your percentage of liability. For example, if a driver&#8217;s injury claim is for $10,000 in damages, but the driver is 10% at fault for their injuries, the judge will reduce their recovery to 90% of his damages \u2014 here, $9,000.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Damages<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>There are two types of car accident damages: <b>economic damages<\/b> and <b>non-economic damages<\/b>. Economic damages include auto repair, medical bills, and lost income.&nbsp;Non-economic damages include pain and suffering or emotional distress.<\/p>\r\n<p>Examples of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-kinds-of-damages-may-i-claim-for-car-accident-injuries.html\">damages that result from car accidents<\/a> include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Pain and suffering<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical expenses and medical payments<\/li>\r\n<li>Rental cars<\/li>\r\n<li>Lost wages<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/how-to-prove-loss-of-consortium-in-a-car-accident-claim.html\">Loss of consortium<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Wrongful death<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>Limits<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>California does not have a cap on damages in personal injury or car accident cases.<\/p>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">statute of limitations<\/a> (time limit) for filing a personal injury claim is two years. You only have six months to file a lawsuit against the government, for instance, if you have a property damage claim against the police.<\/p>\r\n<p>If a driver lacks insurance or proof of &quot;financial responsibility&quot; (e.g., a job), California state law limits accident victims to recovering economic damages. Victims cannot recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ca\/civil-code\/civ-sect-3294.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Punitive damages<\/a><b> <\/b>are only available if the plaintiff can show that the defendant acted with &quot;fraud, oppression, or malice.&quot; Judges only order punitive damages when there is a need to punish the defendant in a civil matter.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Need Legal Advice? Contact a California Car Accident Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>California car accident laws favor the plaintiff if you have an experienced lawyer who can deal with insurance companies and the courts. Get legal advice from a California <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/california\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury attorney<\/a> and protect your legal rights.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Car Accident Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img 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