California Car Accident Laws [2025 Explained]

The California car accident laws are very pertinent to all road users, as they govern the responsibilities and duties of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. As of 2025, a few major revisions have been made through the years to keep up with new road safety trends and ensure adequate protection for people who may suffer from accidents. Drivers need to know liability rulings, up-to-date insurance mandates, crash reporting requirements, and the deadlines to file claims.

Determining Fault and Liability

In California, auto accidents are considered to be at-fault, meaning that the motorist who caused the accident is held responsible for any injuries. The system means that victims can claim medical bills, lost wages, property loss, and other costs from the insurance of the negligent driver.

The California law applies to comparative negligence as well, with people partly responsible for injuries gaining damages, but their compensation is decreased according to their percentage of responsibility. For instance, if you are 20% responsible, you can collect 80% of your damages.

Defending fault can involve police logs, eyewitnesses, and collision reconstruction. This is an aspect of liability that is essential to establishing a good claim and getting adequate damages for the damages you suffer from the crash.

Updated Insurance Requirements

Effective January 1, 2025, California has updated its minimum auto insurance liability requirements under Senate Bill 1107. Drivers must now carry coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $60,000 per accident for multiple people,  and $15,000 for property damage.

These increased limits aim to provide better financial protection for accident victims, reflecting modern medical and repair costs. While these changes enhance victim compensation, they may also result in higher premiums for policyholders. Drivers are encouraged to review their policies with their insurers to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.

Accident Reporting Obligations

In California, car accident drivers have specific reporting requirements. For an injury, death, or property loss exceeding $1,000, you must submit a Form SR-1 to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. Additionally, any injuries or deaths should be reported to the local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) immediately.

Defying these standards can result in fines and suspension of driving privileges. You need accurate and timely reporting because official reports are the primary documentation for personal injury lawsuits and insurance disputes. Drivers should also report their accidents to their insurance companies right away, irrespective of fault.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims

Depending on the kind of injury you sustained, California has different deadlines for filing car accident claims. For personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. For property damage, the three-year statute of limitations applies. Claims involving government bodies, including collisions with public vehicles, must be filed within six months.

If you fail to meet these deadlines, you risk being denied compensation. It’s important to act quickly to save evidence and safeguard your rights in court. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side ensures that you have all deadlines and procedures covered.

Newer Traffic Safety Laws

California continues to update its traffic safety laws to address modern road challenges and protect all road users. Several new laws aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, enhance pedestrian safety, and promote fairness. The state has an ongoing commitment to improving safety and accessibility for everyone on California’s roads.

• Sideshows and Street Takeovers: Assembly Bills 1978, 2186, 2807, and 3085 give police the authority to stop vehicles if they witness sideshows and street takeovers, without arresting the driver. All of these prevent reckless driving, which harms society.
• Parking Restrictions Around Crosswalks: The “Daylighting Law,” Assembly Bill 413, limits parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk for visibility and pedestrian safety. The law applies to painted and unpainted crosswalks.
• Work Requirement for Driver’s License: Senate Bill 1100 prohibits employers from demanding a valid driver’s license as a requirement of employment unless driving is a required function of the job. This act is designed to discourage discrimination against non-drivers.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

A: After a car accident, you should immediately look for injuries and try to get to a safer area. Call 911 to report the collision and go to the hospital. Get information from the other driver, such as names, addresses, insurance, and license plate numbers. Take photographs of the location, the damage, and any visible injuries. Don’t blame yourself, and get in touch with your insurance company immediately. You should contact a car accident attorney to guard your interests and look at your options.

Q: Who Is Liable in a Car Accident in California?

A: The state of California operates on the at-fault model, which means that the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for injuries. The court assesses evidence, including police reports, eyewitnesses, and reconstructions of accidents, to determine responsibility. If blame is distributed across multiple parties, comparative negligence law applies in California, where partially culpable parties can obtain compensation less than the proportion of fault they are responsible for.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

A: In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. The deadline for property damage claims is a little longer, at three years. If the accident involves a government entity, claims must be filed within six months. An attorney can help you meet all appropriate deadlines.

Q: What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

A: Car crash victims can obtain economic compensation for medical bills, unemployment benefits, and car repairs. Non-monetary injuries, such as pain and suffering, distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, could also be included. Punitive damages may be offered in cases of gross negligence. You may need an attorney to help maximize your settlement.

Contact Perry Personal Injury Lawyers

Understanding California’s updated car accident laws is crucial in protecting your rights after an accident. At Perry Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these laws and secure a fair compensation amount. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case.