Were you injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Contact the California car accident lawyers at Megeredchian Law as soon as possible. We deliver outstanding results for one simple reason: we put your interests above all else. When you hire us, you’re not just a client — you’re family.
Don’t wait too long to start your claim—don’t pay out of pocket for a car accident that wasn’t your fault. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to get the legal support you deserve. We have the experience, the knowledge, and the resources to fight for maximum compensation. Our firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we always pick up the phone.
Aside from our experience and compassionate service, Megeredchian Law offers several key benefits:
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve previously met with California car accident lawyers, there are important questions you should never hesitate to ask. At Megeredchian Law, we understand that a car accident can be a life-altering experience, and that you may be facing difficult decisions.
Asking the right questions can help you gain a clearer understanding of who you’re hiring and what to expect when you choose our legal services:
Absolutely. Even accidents that seem to be simple at first can become complicated over time. Injuries may not present symptoms for days or even weeks. Insurance companies often delay or deny valid claims. And the other party may refuse to take responsibility or cover your damages.
That’s a lot for anyone to handle—especially while dealing with the stress and trauma of a car accident. This is where an experienced car accident lawyer can make a real difference.
A skilled attorney will protect your rights and ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies or opposing parties focused on minimizing payouts rather than helping you recover. A car accident lawyer can be especially helpful when:
If anyone has been hurt or there’s major damage to vehicles or property, dial 911 immediately. Law enforcement officers will create an official accident report, and emergency responders can begin treating those injured on the scene.
If you’ve sustained serious injuries, seek emergency medical help immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Keep all medical records—they’re critical evidence if you plan to file a claim.
If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry. You don’t need to pay your medical bills up front—just keep all documentation. In many cases, we’re able to recover compensation that covers those medical costs and more.
Use your phone to take clear photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, your injuries, and anything else relevant—such as road conditions or traffic signs. These images can serve as strong evidence in a personal injury case.
Collect the name, phone number, license plate, and insurance details from the other driver. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well—your attorney may need to reach out to them for statements.
As soon as you’re in a safe place, jot down everything you remember about the crash. Include details like the time, weather, road conditions, what you were doing when it happened, and anything the other driver said or did. The more you remember, the stronger your case may be.
Hold onto every receipt and document related to your accident—hospital bills, prescriptions, car repairs, transportation costs, and more. These records help calculate the full value of your claim.
Skilled California car accident lawyers can handle all aspects of your case—from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers to pursuing the full compensation you’re owed for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Leaving the scene of a car accident in California—regardless of fault or severity—is illegal. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious crash, you’re legally required to stop, provide your information, and assist anyone who is injured.
If you flee the scene, you could face misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run charges, depending on whether there’s property damage or bodily injury. Penalties may include hefty fines, jail or prison time, and license suspension. Always stay put, call 911 if necessary, and wait for police or emergency responders.
It’s human nature to say “I’m sorry,” especially in a stressful or emotional moment—but avoid this instinct after an accident. Even if you think you were partially at fault, do not say anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
Accidents happen quickly, and fault isn’t always clear right away. An apology or self-blame could later be used by insurance companies or opposing attorneys to reduce or deny your compensation. Focus on checking for injuries, exchanging information, and letting the facts come out during the investigation.
The other party’s insurance adjuster might contact you asking for a statement or to “check in.” While they may seem polite, their job is to protect their company—not you. They’re trained to get you to say things that could weaken your claim.
Do not give a recorded statement or discuss the details of the crash without legal representation. Instead, direct any communication to your attorney. This ensures your rights are protected and that you don’t accidentally hurt your case or settle for less than you deserve.
Even if you feel fine right after the crash, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, don’t show symptoms immediately and can worsen over time.
Delaying treatment gives insurance companies room to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also provides documentation essential to your personal injury claim.
Failing to gather evidence at the scene can significantly weaken your case. Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, injuries, and contact info from witnesses are crucial pieces of proof.
If you’re physically able, take pictures and get names, phone numbers, and insurance information. The more evidence you collect early on, the stronger your claim will be when negotiating with insurers or presenting your case in court.
Immediately after the accident, get medical help—even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records will be crucial evidence for your claim. Once you’re safe, contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in California car accidents. An experienced attorney will help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and protect you from insurance tactics.
Estimated time: Same day to 1 week after the accident
Your lawyer will launch a thorough investigation. This may include reviewing police reports, visiting the accident scene, collecting medical records, obtaining surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses. You should also provide documentation such as photos, vehicle damage assessments, and insurance info.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Your lawyer will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and notify your own insurer if applicable (especially in uninsured/underinsured cases). California is a fault-based state, so the driver who caused the accident (and their insurer) is typically liable for your damages.
Estimated time: Filed within 1–4 weeks of hiring the lawyer
Once all evidence and medical treatment info is gathered, your attorney will send a demand letter to the insurer. Negotiations begin, with back-and-forth offers. Your lawyer will aim to reach a fair settlement without filing a lawsuit, but only after your condition stabilizes or reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Estimated time: 1–3 months (or longer depending on injury treatment)
If negotiations fail, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit. This starts the litigation process, which includes discovery (exchanging evidence), depositions, and pre-trial motions. Most cases still settle before trial, but the legal team must prepare for court.
Estimated time: Filing deadline is 2 years from the accident, but lawsuits can take 1–3 years to resolve
Once a settlement or court verdict is reached, your lawyer will finalize the paperwork and distribute the funds. Medical liens, legal fees, and any outstanding bills will be paid from your compensation before you receive the remainder.
Estimated time: 2–6 weeks after settlement or trial verdict
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. This rule applies to injuries suffered by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
However, if you’re filing a claim for property damage only (such as vehicle repairs), the time limit is three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to note that these deadlines apply to court filings, not insurance claims—insurance companies often require notification within days or weeks of the crash, depending on the policy.
There are exceptions to California’s standard two-year statute of limitations. For example, if the claim is against a government entity—such as a city bus or a government-owned vehicle—you must first file a government claim within six months of the accident under the California Tort Claims Act. If the claim is denied, you have six months from the denial notice to file a lawsuit.
Additionally, if the injured party is a minor or is legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the disability is removed—for example, until the minor turns 18 or the incapacitated person regains legal capacity.
These are intended to reimburse you for losses directly resulting from the accident and are divided into two categories:
These cover tangible financial losses, including:
These compensate for intangible losses, such as:
California car accident lawyers at Megeredchian Law can evaluate the damages that apply to your accident in particular and fight on your behalf to obtain all the compensation you deserve by law.
In California, liability in a car accident is determined based on the principle of negligence, meaning the person who acted carelessly or failed to follow traffic laws may be held responsible for the resulting damages. To prove liability, the injured party (plaintiff) must show that the other party (defendant) owed a duty of care, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
This requires clear evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction if necessary.
Liability may extend beyond just the drivers involved. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties can be held accountable. This includes other drivers, the registered owner of the vehicle (if different from the driver), employers if the driver was working at the time of the crash, and even vehicle manufacturers if a defect contributed to the accident.
In some cases, government agencies can be liable if poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals were involved.
Yes, you can still claim compensation for a car accident in California even if you were partially at fault. California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 25% at fault and your total damages amount to $40,000, you would still be eligible to receive $30,000.
This rule allows injured drivers, passengers, or pedestrians to pursue claims even if they were mostly—but not entirely—responsible for the accident. The key is proving that the other party also contributed to the crash, which requires strong evidence like police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Yes, an undocumented immigrant (also referred to as an illegal immigrant) can sue for a car accident in California. Under state and federal law, your immigration status does not affect your right to file a personal injury claim or recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. California courts do not require plaintiffs in civil cases to prove legal status in order to seek justice or financial recovery after being injured.
As of 2025, California law (particularly Senate Bill 785) continues to reinforce that immigration status is not admissible in civil court unless it’s directly relevant to the case. In almost all car accident lawsuits, your legal status remains completely off-limits, and courts are prohibited from considering it.
Furthermore, personal injury attorneys and courts do not and cannot report individuals to ICE. It is illegal for any party to use immigration status as a threat or tool of intimidation in a civil lawsuit. Despite this, many undocumented immigrants fear contacting lawyers, filing claims, or interacting with law enforcement out of concern for deportation, retaliation, or public exposure.
It’s important to know that California is a sanctuary state, and your communication with your attorney is 100% confidential. Seeking justice through a car accident lawsuit will not trigger immigration enforcement, and you can even file a claim anonymously in certain circumstances.
In 2024, California recorded at least 2,571 fatal car accidents, according to compiled data. California leads the nation in total fatal crashes due to its large population and high vehicle density.
Throughout 2024, California experienced an estimated 18,532 collisions involving either serious injuries or fatalities.
Alcohol continues to be a significant factor in traffic safety. In 2024, there were over 1,329 serious alcohol-related collisions, which include both injuries and deaths.
Although total vehicle-related deaths decreased, preliminary data from early 2025 suggests that pedestrian fatalities remain disproportionately high. Los Angeles, for instance, reported a steady number of pedestrian deaths, highlighting a gap in infrastructure and traffic enforcement for non-motorists.
Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While many recover within a few months, some individuals may experience chronic symptoms lasting a year or more .
The impact from car accidents can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Severe fractures may require surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation, significantly affecting mobility and quality of life.
TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms can include confusion, headaches, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties. Severe TBIs may necessitate long-term medical care and support .
Injuries to the spinal cord can result in chronic pain, loss of sensation, decreased motor function, or even paralysis. Such injuries often require comprehensive medical attention and may lead to permanent disabilities.
Blunt force trauma from accidents can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs like the lungs, kidneys, or liver, and internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in sprains, strains, and contusions. They can cause significant pain and may require physical therapy for recovery.
Collisions can lead to facial fractures, dental injuries, and lacerations, often due to airbag deployment or impact with the steering wheel or dashboard. Such injuries may necessitate reconstructive surgery and dental procedures.
Beyond physical injuries, car accidents can lead to psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require mental health support .
As of 2024 and into 2025, the most common causes of car accidents in California are largely preventable and stem from driver behavior. Recent data highlights the following leading factors:
Distracted driving remains the top cause of traffic fatalities in California. Common distractions include texting, using a phone, eating, adjusting in-car systems, and interacting with passengers. These activities significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions.
Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions is a major contributor to severe crashes. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the impact during collisions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs accounts for nearly 30% of fatal accidents in California. Impaired driving affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
Disregarding traffic signals, making unsafe lane changes, and not yielding the right-of-way are significant factors in many accidents. Such violations create unpredictable situations that can lead to collisions.
Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage contribute to accidents. Aggressive driving increases the likelihood of high-speed collisions and reduces the time available to react to other drivers’ actions.
Fatigue impairs a driver’s attention and decision-making abilities. Drowsy driving can lead to slower reaction times and, in severe cases, falling asleep at the wheel.
Poor road conditions, including potholes, debris, and inadequate signage, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. These hazards are especially dangerous when drivers do not adjust their speed or driving behavior accordingly.
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California car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs for legal representation. Instead, the attorney’s fee is taken as a percentage of the settlement or verdict you receive. If the lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe nothing. This fee structure allows injured victims to seek justice without the burden of hourly legal fees, making experienced legal help accessible to everyone—regardless of income.
The contingency fee model offers significant benefits, especially for those facing unexpected medical expenses and lost income after a crash. Most importantly, it eliminates the financial risk of hiring a lawyer—you pay nothing unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
This creates a shared interest: your lawyer is fully motivated to fight for the maximum possible recovery because their payment depends on the outcome. Even if you can’t afford to pay out of pocket, you can still retain a skilled legal team, leveling the playing field against powerful insurance companies and defense lawyers.
Hiring Megeredchian Law’s California car accident lawyers offers numerous advantages. Don’t wait or risk missing your chance to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us 24/7 at (866) 359-0807 to speak directly with an attorney. We provide aggressive, results-driven representation—while treating you with the compassion and care you’d expect from family. Let us fight for the maximum recovery you’re entitled to. You deserve nothing less.
We are selective about the volume of cases and the type of cases we undertake. This ensures our client’s case gets the attention it needs so results are achieved. Big firms with big case volumes means your case gets lost with the thousand others. Results matter, experience the difference by retaining our firm and let us exceed your expectations.
Our clients are not just “clients,” we treat everyone like family with compassion and the utmost care.
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