Seeking Compensation After California Car Accidents
Last updated on June 4, 2026
Car accidents are common in California, often leading to severe injuries and economic hardship. Being a defensive driver is important, but even safe drivers cannot always avoid injury due to the negligence of others. Those who have been injured need to know how to seek financial compensation after the accident.
Here at The Law Offices of Liu & Naime, we are experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys. Our lawyers will meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your case and help you explore your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your harm.
Common Types Of Injuries In Car Accidents
The injuries that people suffer usually depend on the severity of the crash. Common vehicle accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burn injuries
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
Some injuries can heal over time with proper medical treatment, but others could create life-altering disability and long-term conditions.
Potential Compensation After A Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver to cover damages such as:
- Immediate medical bills
- Long-term medical needs and costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our team can help you carefully consider the damages you are facing and the steps to take to be compensated fairly.
Car Crashes Are The Most Common Type Of Personal Injury
In all of California, driving is a central, necessary component of getting around. People frequently spend hours per day on the roads, and if you look at the statistics, that’s the worst place you can be. Just look at the statistics for crash victims in our city over the course of five years:
- 2018: 303
- 2019: 396
- 2020: 391
- 2021: 433
- 2022: 539
You can see that in every single year, the number of victims has gone up, with the exception of 2020, the year when most people stayed home due to the pandemic. And furthermore, those statistics aren’t just numbers. They are individuals, just like you, struggling with the pain of an accident well out of their control.
Common Car Crash Injuries
Car crashes come with a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. The most common injuries you can get can include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Avulsions
The injuries you receive from a car crash are going to require immediate medical treatment and long-term recovery. More than that, you’ll require a legal team unafraid to stand up as your voice against the opposition.
Insurance Is Not Your Ally
The insurers of the other vehicle, or even your own insurance company, are not your friends at this time. They have a profit-driven goal to pay you as little as possible for your injury. These attorneys are practiced, competent and prepared.
As your car accident attorneys, we will meet them head-on. We’ll hold insurers accountable for their agreements, and we’ll do it with a passion and dedication fueled by your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you get started, here are a few of the questions our firm sees most often:
Q: What qualifies as a catastrophic injury under California law?
A: A catastrophic injury is one that results in permanent or long-term disability, significantly altering the course of a person’s life. Common examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputations, severe burns, and serious internal trauma. Unlike minor injuries that heal with time, catastrophic injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments that last a lifetime. If you are unsure whether your injury qualifies, our team can review your situation during a free, confidential consultation.
Q: How is compensation calculated for a catastrophic injury in California?
A: Compensation in a catastrophic injury case accounts for both immediate and long-term costs. This includes current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Because the long-term financial impact of a catastrophic injury can reach into the millions, it is critical to work with an experienced attorney who can accurately project future damages – not just address what is in front of you today.The Law Offices of Liu & Naime works closely with medical and financial experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Q: How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in California?
A: In most cases, California law gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this window depending on the circumstances, such as claims involving government entities or cases where injuries were not immediately apparent. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation entirely, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact us today to make sure your rights are protected.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident that caused my injury?
A: California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your total compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault – for example, if you were found 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages. Insurance companies often try to inflate a victim’s share of fault to reduce their payout, which is exactly why having an experienced attorney in your corner matters. will work to ensure fault is fairly assessed and your compensation is not unfairly diminished.
Q: How does a contingency fee arrangement work for catastrophic injury cases?
A: A contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront to hire The Law Offices of Liu & Naime. Instead, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover on your behalf – and if we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. This arrangement ensures that every client, regardless of their financial situation, has access to experienced legal representation when they need it most. There is no financial risk in reaching out, so do not let cost concerns stop you from exploring your options.
Q: Can I file a catastrophic injury claim if my loved one cannot speak for themselves?
A: Yes. If a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury, severe paralysis, or is otherwise unable to advocate for themselves, a close family member or legal guardian may be able to pursue a claim on their behalf. These situations require careful legal navigation, and acting quickly to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines is especially important. The Law Offices of Liu & Naime understands the emotional and logistical weight these circumstances place on families, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Call For A Consultation
If you would like to begin exploring your options with an experienced Rancho Cucamonga, California, attorney, dial Call or use the online contact form to set up your free consultation.