How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Time limits directly affect your ability to recover damages. Pursuant to California Code of Civil. Proc. § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a Los Angeles car accident claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if your case is strong.
When a government agency is involved, the deadlines are much shorter. Under California’s Government Claims Act, Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 905, 911.2, you generally must submit a written claim to the public entity within six months before you can file a lawsuit. Filing after these statutory deadlines can permanently limit your options.
Calculating Your Damages After a Car Crash
A car accident claim must reflect the full impact of your injuries. Under California law, you can recover both economic and non‑economic damages when someone else’s negligence causes your injuries, as recognized in California Civil Code § 3333.
Economic and non‑economic losses can be described in a more original, natural way while keeping the meaning intact:
Economic damages cover the financial impact of the crash and may include:
- Medical bills, along with the cost of any future treatment you may need
- Lost income and any long‑term reduction in your ability to earn a living
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses that support your recovery
Non‑economic damages address the personal and emotional effects of the accident, such as:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress and the mental strain caused by the crash
- Loss of enjoyment of life when your injuries limit daily activities
Insurers often try to focus only on immediate financial losses, but California law recognizes that serious injuries affect far more than your wallet. Once we file your claim, our attorneys work with medical providers and review financial documentation to present a complete and well‑supported case.
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