CALIFORNIA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER & AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Car accidents happen every day across California, and even a “minor” crash can create major problems. Medical bills, missed work, car repairs, and insurance pressure can pile up quickly. The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez helps injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and families statewide pursue compensation after auto collisions caused by negligence.

Whether the collision happened on a freeway, a city street, in a parking lot, or at a busy intersection, the key issues are usually the same: what caused the crash, who was at fault, what injuries resulted, and what insurance coverage is available. This page explains how California auto accident claims work, what evidence matters, what steps protect your rights, and how our firm approaches serious injury cases.

The video below explains common California car accident issues in plain English, including what to do right after a crash, what insurance companies look for, and mistakes that can reduce the value of a claim. If you are unsure what to do next, this overview is a helpful starting point.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in California

Most serious crashes are preventable. Auto accidents often result from careless driving behaviors that violate basic safety rules and traffic laws. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, failure to yield, impaired driving, and running red lights or stop signs.

• Distracted driving: texting, phone use, navigation screens, or taking eyes off the road.
• Speeding and unsafe speed for conditions: reducing reaction time and increasing impact forces.
• Failure to yield / unsafe turns: left-turn collisions and intersection crashes.
• Rear-end collisions: following too closely or inattentive driving.
• Unsafe lane changes: blind-spot impacts and sideswipes.
• Impaired driving: alcohol, drugs, and prescription impairment.

Common Injuries After Car Accidents

Some injuries are obvious at the scene. Others show up hours or days later. It is common for people to feel “okay” initially and then develop significant pain or symptoms later. Early medical evaluation protects your health and creates documentation that is often important in proving damages.

• Whiplash and neck/back soft tissue injuries
• Herniated discs and nerve injuries
• Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Knee, shoulder, and joint injuries
• Scarring, disfigurement, and lacerations

What to Do After an Auto Accident

The steps you take right after a crash can protect your safety and your claim. If possible, do the following:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention if anyone is injured.
• Exchange information and identify witnesses.
• Take photos/video of the vehicles, damage, roadway, and surrounding conditions.
• Request the police report number and the responding agency information.
• Get medical evaluation promptly, even if symptoms seem minor.
• Avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases before getting legal advice.

Who May Be Liable in a Car Accident Case?

In many cases, the at-fault driver is liable. But some cases involve multiple responsible parties or additional insurance coverage. Depending on the facts, liability can involve drivers, vehicle owners, employers (for on-the-job driving), commercial entities, government road maintenance issues, or product defects.

California uses a comparative fault system. That means fault can be shared. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation, although your recovery may be reduced by a percentage based on your share of fault.

Compensation in California Auto Accident Claims

The value of a car accident claim depends on the injuries, treatment, future care needs, wage loss, and how the injuries affect daily life. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: ER visits, imaging, therapy, surgery, rehab, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: missed work and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: physical pain, limitations, and quality-of-life impact.
• Emotional distress: anxiety, trauma, sleep disruption, and crash-related stress.
• Property damage: vehicle repair/total loss and related costs.

If a collision results in a fatal injury, the family may have a wrongful death claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Car Accidents

Should I see a doctor even if I feel “okay” after the crash?

Yes. Many injuries are delayed, and early evaluation protects your health and creates a medical record connecting the injuries to the collision.

Do I have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

You should be careful. Insurance adjusters may ask questions that can be used against you later. Getting legal advice first is often the safest approach.

What if the at-fault driver says the crash was my fault?

Fault is proven using evidence: photos, vehicle damage, witness statements, scene facts, police reports, and sometimes video. We focus on evidence, not accusations.

What if I was partially at fault?

California comparative fault rules may still allow recovery. A percentage of fault can reduce damages, but partial fault does not automatically end a claim.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in California?

Deadlines depend on the facts and who is involved. Do not wait. Early action helps preserve evidence and avoid missed deadlines.

What if the other driver has little or no insurance?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply, and other sources of coverage may exist depending on vehicle ownership, employment, and additional policies.

How much is my case worth?

Case value depends on medical proof, injury severity, future care needs, wage loss, liability evidence, and available insurance coverage. We evaluate claims based on the real-world costs and impact of the injuries.

Why Choose The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez?

Insurance companies often try to minimize claims. Our firm focuses on building strong evidence, identifying all available coverage, and pursuing fair compensation. You will have direct access to an attorney—no settlement mill treatment. There are no upfront fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Free Consultation – California Auto Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in California, do not wait to get help. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies often move fast to protect their interests. Early legal guidance helps preserve proof, protect your claim, and put you in the strongest position to recover fair compensation.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured people statewide. Call today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win.