【法律】Understanding Your Rights After a Serious Accident: Personal Injury Claims in California | BECKER LAW GROUP

Becker Law Group, with offices in Pasadena and Alhambra, is a leading California law firm specializing in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. The firm provides bilingual, survivor-focused legal representation to individuals and families facing life-changing accidents—from vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries to workplace incidents and premises liability.

Legal Framework in California
Personal injury law in California protects people harmed by another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. Serious injuries (such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, burns, or amputations) not only impact physical health, but can devastate families emotionally and financially.
Key points:

• Liability: To recover damages, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the injury.

• Comparative Fault: California is a “pure comparative negligence” state—meaning injured persons can recover damages even if they are partly at fault, but their compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.

Who Can File a Claim?

• Anyone physically or psychologically harmed due to another’s actions—drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, workers, visitors, or customers.

• Parents or legal guardians can bring claims for minors; certain family members may bring survival actions or wrongful death claims if the accident is fatal.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

• Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, rehabilitation, property damage, home modifications, and out-of-pocket costs.

• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.

• Punitive damages (rare): Awarded in cases of egregious or intentional misconduct.

Key Steps After a Serious Accident

1. Seek Medical Attention: Immediate documentation of injuries is vital for both health and future claims.

2. Report the Incident: File police reports, notify property owners or employers, and obtain witness contact information.

3. Document Everything: Collect photos, videos, medical records, expense receipts, and keep a journal of symptoms and recovery progress.

4. Consult an Experienced Attorney: Legal professionals can investigate, identify liable parties (including employers, insurers, property managers), negotiate with insurance companies, and file lawsuits if necessary.

Time Limits (Statutes of Limitations)

• Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims against government agencies require special notices—often within six months.

• Delays can jeopardize your rights; act quickly to preserve evidence and options.

Practical Considerations

• Insurance Companies: Adjusters may offer early settlements—often less than the claim’s true value. Never sign releases or accept offers before consulting counsel.

• Immigrant/Non-English Speakers: California law protects all injured persons, regardless of immigration status. Becker Law Group offers bilingual support for Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish-speaking clients.

Conclusion
After a serious accident, knowing your rights—and acting quickly—can make a life-changing difference. Becker Law Group’s trauma-informed, survivor-first approach ensures that injured individuals and families receive personalized, effective legal help at every stage of their recovery and legal journey.

Sources:

• California Civil Code and Code of Civil Procedure

• California Office of Traffic Safety: Injury statistics

• Becker Law Group personal injury resource center

• [LA Times, Reuters: Catastrophic injury coverage]