California Filing Deadline
2 yrs
California's general statute of limitations for personal-injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Miss it and the claim is usually barred.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1
North County San Diego · Car Accidents
When a driver wasn't paying attention.
North County San Diego Car Accidents Attorney
Car crashes are what we handle most. Rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, distracted and speeding drivers across Vista, San Marcos, Oceanside, and North County. We deal with the insurance company so you can focus on getting better.
33% contingency · no fee and no case costs unless we win · Every new case is reviewed by an attorney personally
What you should know about car accidents cases in North County San Diego.
We start every new case with the same posture: assume the insurance company will try to close fast and pay light. Our job is to slow it down, build the file properly, and force the carrier to value the claim correctly.
Most car accidents files have a small handful of issues that decide value: liability evidence, the strength of treatment documentation, lost-wage proof, and the available insurance limits. We handle each of those personally rather than passing them through paralegals.
Why timing matters
The clock starts the day you're hurt.
California's deadlines are strict, and evidence like video and witness memories fades fast.
Calling early lets us preserve evidence and file on time, so the insurer can't use the calendar against you.
Government-Entity Deadline
6 mo
Claims against a city, county, Caltrans, NCTD, or any other public entity must be filed within six months, far shorter than the standard two years.
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2
Property Damage
3 yrs
Claims for damage to your car or other property have a three-year deadline, but injury claims run on the shorter two-year clock.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)
Car Accidents · FAQ
Common questions about car accidents cases.
How long do I have to file a car-accident claim in California?
Two years from the date of the crash for most personal-injury claims. Claims against government entities (state, county, city) have a six-month notice requirement. Property-damage-only claims have a three-year window.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
Your own uninsured-motorist (UM) coverage steps in. UM coverage pays your bodily-injury damages up to the policy limit when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Most California auto policies include UM unless the policyholder rejected it in writing.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster who called me?
Not without counsel. Adjusters record statements, ask leading questions, and use those statements to value claims downward. The standard practice is to let your attorney handle adjuster contact from the first conversation.
How is pain and suffering valued in California?
Two common methods: a multiplier (1.5–5× the medical specials) or a per-diem rate for each day of suffering. The exact value depends on injury severity, treatment duration, prognosis, and the available insurance limits.