You may feel like there’s nothing you can do after a car accident, but if your injuries and financial losses are the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. A car accident attorney in California from Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has the experience necessary to handle your case on your behalf.
You can focus your time and energy on healing from your injuries while our personal injury attorney manages the legal process. Contact us to get started with your free consultation.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers in California Can Help with Your Case
Car accident cases can quickly become complex. Your case may feel more difficult to handle due to the number of drivers, whether any laws were broken, and the severity of your injuries.
Handling a personal injury case on your own can be intimidating and frustrating if you lack knowledge of the legal process and the insurance claims system. It can be burdensome, especially if you are busy trying to take care of your family and heal from your injuries at the same time.
A California car accident attorney at Sargent Law Firm can evaluate and handle your case. If you hire our firm to take your case, we will:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Determine liability
- Calculate the value of your case
- Negotiate a settlement
- Communicate with you
- Provide frequent updates
- Complete all paperwork
- Protect your rights
- File a lawsuit
We will walk you through the complex legal process as your case progresses, so you always understand what is going on. Your case could take weeks, months, or longer to resolve, but we will be there every step of the way.

It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowThe Damages We Can Recover in Your Car Accident Claim in California
There are two primary types of damages you can recover after a car accident. Economic damages have a monetary value that evidence such as medical documentation, receipts, and pay stubs can validate. These damages typically include:
- Household services
- Lost income
- Home modifications
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Childcare
Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate a monetary value for but typically include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Lost quality of life
You may also be able to recover wrongful death damages to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and lost income if you lost someone you love in a car accident. If this is the case, our California car accident attorneys offer you and your family our thoughts and our sincerest condolences.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in California at Sargent Law Firm
When a motor vehicle collision disrupts your life, the legal team you select to manage your claim can significantly influence your recovery. At Sargent Law Firm, we focus on providing aggressive advocacy for those injured on California roadways. We are dedicated litigators who understand the physical and financial toll a crash takes on a family.
A Proven History of Recovery
Our firm is defined by our commitment to securing the maximum compensation our clients require to rebuild their lives. We refuse to settle for less than what is fair, pushing back against insurance companies that prioritize their bottom line over your health. Some of our notable car accident recoveries in California include:
- $4.2 Million: Represented a pregnant mother who lost her unborn child in a collision caused by a drunk driver; we secured a judgment against the defendant.
- $1 Million: Obtained full compensation for an out-of-state visitor after initiating a lawsuit and conducting thorough depositions and witness testimony.
- $750,000: Represented a passenger who sustained major injuries; we successfully countered attempts to shift blame and secured a favorable settlement.
Using California’s Negligence Laws to Strengthen Your Claim
Under California Civil Code § 1714, the state uses a “pure comparative fault” model. Insurance adjusters frequently use this rule to decrease your payout by claiming you contributed to the accident. Even if you were partially responsible for the crash, you maintain the legal right to pursue damages for the portion of the accident you did not cause. We focus on neutralizing “victim-blaming” strategies to ensure your percentage of fault is minimized while your recovery is maximized.
Trial-Ready Advocacy
The insurance industry is well aware of which firms settle quickly and which firms fight. Our reputation is built on our willingness to take a car accident case to trial if a fair offer is not presented. This readiness provides you with significant leverage during negotiations, as insurers know we are prepared to litigate in any California courtroom.
Personalized Legal Support
Our personal injury lawyers in California believe in a partnership-based approach. You are never just a file number at our firm. You will have a direct line to your legal team for updates and honest answers. Whether via text, phone, or email, we ensure you remain informed and supported throughout the entire legal process.
No Upfront Costs
Worrying about the cost of hiring a lawyer from our firm is unnecessary because we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you only pay us if we win your case and you recover compensation.
There are zero upfront costs to hire us, and we explain how payment works in detail so there won’t be any surprises. We also offer free consultations so we can answer your questions and evaluate your case.
Serving Local Communities Throughout the Golden State
We provide comprehensive legal support to residents across the state. Sargent Law Firm maintains a strong presence in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, Temecula, Murrieta, San Diego, Encinitas, El Cajon, Vista, and San Marcos.
If you or a family member has been impacted by a serious car accident in California, reach out to Sargent Law Firm today. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your rights and take the first step toward your financial recovery.
Frequent Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions in California
In most cases, the driving errors of one or more individuals are to blame for a car crash. Errors may be committed because the individual is not devoting enough care and attention to what they are doing.
In other cases, the individual who causes the accident may be aware of what they are doing and the risk of a serious crash that the behavior creates, but they choose to engage in the behavior anyway. This is often referred to as acting “recklessly,” as opposed to “carelessly.”
Our California car accident attorneys can help you prove the defendant caused your accident. Some common causes of auto accidents include:
Intoxication
Most Californians are familiar with the 0.08 alcohol limit set by statute. However, a person can be impaired by alcohol long before their blood or breath alcohol concentration reaches 0.08. Drugs can also impair an individual’s ability to drive safely, even if the drug is prescribed to the individual or can be legally purchased over the counter.
The impairing effects of some drugs can be magnified if alcohol is consumed with the drug(s). Driving while impaired not only significantly increases the likelihood that the impaired driver will be involved in a fatal or injury car crash, but it can also be considered careless and/or reckless behavior. This may mean the impaired driver has civil liability for any injuries and/or deaths they cause.
Distractions
Distracted driving is quickly becoming a common cause of car accidents. Texting while driving – taking one’s eyes off the road to read or respond to a text message – is an especially dangerous form of distracted driving.
Some other actions and behaviors can also be considered distracted driving because they take the driver’s full attention off the task of driving and the road in front of them. Being distracted by landmarks or scenery, carrying on a conversation with passengers, attempting to adjust the car’s radio system, or dealing with an upset child can all divert the driver’s attention from the road – and can all be considered careless, negligent behavior.
Road Hazards
A large tree branch, a truck tire, potholes, or other similar debris can make driving safely an impossibility, requiring quick thinking and decisive action from drivers for collisions to be avoided. An improperly designed intersection or other roadway feature can also increase the risk of an accident. The design and maintenance of most highways and roads fall under the jurisdiction of at least one public agency.
These agencies have a responsibility for designing roadways that are reasonably safe for motorists and for maintaining these roads in a reasonably safe condition.

If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Call Us NowWho Can You Sue for Your Car Accident in California?
In California, being involved in a collision does not automatically guarantee compensation. To recover damages, your attorney must establish liability: the legal responsibility of another party for the harm you suffered. Because California is an “at-fault” state, we must prove that the other driver’s actions breached their duty of care, directly resulting in your injuries.
While the other drivers are the most frequent targets of a lawsuit, liability can sometimes extend to other parties depending on the circumstances of the crash:
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was “on the clock” or performing job-related duties, their employer may be held vicariously liable for the damages.
- Vehicle owners: Under specific “permissive use” laws in California, the owner of a vehicle can be held liable if they allow an unsafe driver to operate their car.
- Public agencies: If the accident was caused by dangerous roadway design, failure to maintain signage, or poorly timed traffic signals, government entities may be responsible.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is a critical step in maximizing your recovery. A car accident lawyer in California at our firm will perform a thorough investigation to ensure no avenue for compensation is overlooked, from analyzing police reports to employing accident reconstruction experts.
You Have a Short Time to File a California Car Accident Lawsuit
You should take time to consider your legal options after a car accident. Consulting with a California car accident lawyer can help. However, be aware that you only generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, according to CCP § 335.1.
If you do not file a lawsuit by the deadline in your case, the court could dismiss it, and you likely won’t be able to recover compensation for damages through the legal process. Your car accident attorney in California will work to meet all deadlines in your case, including the statute of limitations.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in California Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident and suspect that another person is responsible for causing the crash, contact one of our four offices or contact us for efficient, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal representation.
Having the legal assistance of a California car crash attorney can help you determine the steps you need to take to secure compensation. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we use our legal training and cutting-edge technology to fight for car accident victims like you.
To get started with a free consultation and talk to us about your case, our office today at (844) SARGENT.
California Car Accident FAQs
How do I know if I need a California car accident lawyer for my case?
If your injuries are severe, liability is unclear, or the insurance company is offering less than your damages are worth, you should speak with a California car accident lawyer immediately. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our team can evaluate the strength of your claim, explain your legal options, and handle negotiations so you don’t accept less than you’re owed.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault in a California crash?
Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were found 25% at fault, your total recovery would be reduced by 25%. A car accident lawyer in California at Sargent Law can help minimize your share of fault and protect your settlement value.
What if an uninsured or underinsured driver in California injured me?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Many California policies include this protection. A California car accident lawyer from our firm can help you file this type of claim and ensure your insurer handles it correctly.
How long does a typical car accident settlement take in California?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance company’s willingness to settle. Some claims are resolved within a few months, while others may take over a year, especially if a lawsuit is necessary. Our California car accident lawyers at Sargent Law Firm aim to resolve cases efficiently while maximizing your compensation.
