Car Accident Laws in California — Complete 2026 Guide

California Law Overview

California uses Pure comparative negligence. That rule can affect whether you recover compensation and how much a dispute over fault may reduce a claim.

After any crash, document medical care, repair estimates, lost wages, photos, witness names, and every insurance communication.

What to Do First in California

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone may be hurt or the scene is unsafe.
2. Exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information with the other driver.
3. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, license plates, injuries, and visible hazards.
4. Get medical care if you have pain, dizziness, numbness, headache, confusion, or delayed symptoms.
5. Start an accident folder with the police report number, bills, receipts, and insurance messages.

Fault Rule: Pure comparative negligence

The fault rule matters because insurers may use it to reduce or dispute payment. If anyone claims you were partly responsible, preserve photos, witness information, police report details, dashcam footage, and written communications.

Insurance and Documentation Checklist

• Get medical care quickly and keep every visit summary.
• Request the police crash report as soon as it becomes available.
• Save photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and insurance cards.
• Track missed work, mileage to appointments, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket costs.
• Be careful with recorded statements or broad settlement releases before you understand your injuries.

Print the California car accident checklist and compare this state's timing against the 2026 deadline index.

California Deadline Reminder

The general deadline listed here is 2 years, but deadlines can change based on government vehicles, minors, wrongful death claims, insurance policies, or other exceptions. Confirm your exact deadline before waiting.

Helpful California Official Resources

These resources are queued for manual verification before final state-by-state launch. Use agency pages, not summaries, when confirming current insurance minimums, report request procedures, and crash reporting rules.

• Motor vehicle and crash report information
• Department of insurance auto coverage guidance
• Police crash report request process

Resource verification status: verified.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Verify current minimum coverage requirements with the state department of insurance before publication.

When to Consider a Free Review

Consider a free review if you have injuries, disputed fault, missed work, a low settlement offer, an uninsured driver, delayed pain, or pressure to sign a release. A review can help you understand options before making a permanent decision.