Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident.

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible, your recovery would generally be reduced by 20%.

Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto injured people because it can reduce what they have to pay. That’s one reason it’s important to have someone review the facts and evidence before accepting fault or a settlement offer.

Every case is different, so there isn’t a standard timeline. Some claims resolve within a few months, while others take a year or longer, particularly if liability is disputed or the injuries are serious.

In many cases, it’s best to understand the full extent of your injuries before settling. Waiting until your doctors have a clearer picture of your recovery helps ensure future medical needs are considered during settlement discussions.

Once treatment is complete or your condition has stabilized, settlement negotiations may take several weeks or months. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may extend the timeline.

Many personal injury claims settle without a lawsuit. However, filing suit may become necessary if the insurance company disputes liability or refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer.

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims against government entities usually require a government claim to be filed within six months under Government Code § 911.2, so those deadlines are much shorter.

Filing a lawsuit also allows both sides to obtain evidence through the discovery process, which can include depositions, subpoenas, and expert testimony. Speaking with an attorney early can also help preserve important evidence such as photographs, witness statements, surveillance video, and vehicle data.

At Avalon Law Firm, we prepare every case thoroughly so we’re ready to negotiate from a position of strength or, when necessary, present the case in court.

Every case is different, so there isn’t a fixed formula for determining its value.

The value of a personal injury claim depends on many factors, including medical expenses, lost income, future treatment, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The available insurance coverage and the strength of the evidence can also affect the outcome.

If you were partially at fault, California’s comparative negligence law may reduce your recovery based on your percentage of responsibility.

Insurance companies often make early settlement offers before the full extent of an injury is known. Before accepting an offer, it’s important to understand what your claim may actually be worth.

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees, hourly fees, or retainers.

Our fee is a percentage of any recovery we obtain for you through a settlement or verdict. We also advance many of the costs associated with handling your case, such as obtaining medical records and filing court documents.

If there is no recovery, you will not owe attorney’s fees; however, you may remain responsible for certain costs advanced in connection with your matter. During your consultation, we’ll explain exactly how our contingency fee agreement and case costs work so you know what to expect.

You have the right to handle your own personal injury claim. However, many people choose to work with an attorney because the claims process can become complicated, especially when liability is disputed or the injuries are serious.

An attorney can help gather evidence, communicate with the insurance company, calculate damages, negotiate a settlement, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Having legal representation can also help you avoid missed deadlines and ensure important evidence is preserved while you focus on your recovery.

You don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. Avalon Law Firm can guide you through the process and explain your options every step of the way.