Personal Injury Attorneys in California

California has a large, competitive personal injury bar and its own specific rules on fault-sharing and deadlines. Here's what to know before you start looking.

California uses pure comparative fault

California allows injured people to recover compensation even if they were mostly at fault for an accident, with the award reduced by their percentage of fault. This makes it especially important to have a clear, well-documented account of how the accident happened.

Deadlines to keep in mind

California generally applies a statute of limitations of a set number of years from the date of injury for personal injury claims, though claims against government entities involve much shorter notice deadlines, sometimes just months. Confirming the applicable deadline early matters, especially if a government vehicle or agency was involved.

What to look for in a California attorney

Given the state's size, look for an attorney who regularly handles cases in the specific county where your accident occurred, since local court practices and typical settlement ranges can vary between counties.

How to vet a California personal injury attorney

Confirm active bar membership through the State Bar of California's public attorney search, ask about experience with your case type, and clarify the contingency fee structure before signing anything.