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Is the other driver always at fault after a car accident in Arcadia?
No, the other driver is not always entirely at fault after a car accident in Arcadia. California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means multiple parties can share fault for a collision. If you were partly responsible for the crash, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This system, confirmed by cases like *Li v. Yellow Cab Co.*, allows you to still recover compensation even if you were mostly at fault. For instance, if a court finds you 20% responsible for an accident, you can still collect 80% of your total damages. Each defendant is only severally liable for non-economic damages, meaning they pay only their share of pain and suffering (Civ. Code § 1431.2(a)). Economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, remain joint and several.
How much time do you have to file a car accident claim in Arcadia?
You typically have two years to file most car accident claims in Arcadia. This deadline is set by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. That two-year clock begins on the date of your injury.
However, if your claim is against a city, county, or any other public agency in Los Angeles County, the deadline shrinks dramatically. You must present a written claim to the public entity within six months of the injury or death (Gov. Code § 911.2). If you miss this six-month deadline, you generally lose your right to sue the public agency. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
Where do you file a car accident lawsuit from Arcadia?
A car accident lawsuit originating from Arcadia is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, the case will be handled within the Northeast District of the Los Angeles court system. The appropriate courthouse for an Arcadia car accident claim is the Pasadena Courthouse.
This is located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. Los Angeles County Local Rule 2.3 and a general order effective May 17, 2024, state that personal injury cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department. This ensures your case is handled by a court familiar with the local area.
What kinds of car accident cases do we handle for Arcadia residents?
We handle a range of car accident cases for Arcadia residents, covering various types of collisions and injuries. This includes rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, side-impact accidents, and multi-vehicle pile-ups that happen on Arcadia's streets or nearby freeways. Our work also extends to hit-and-run incidents where identifying the at-fault driver is complex.
We represent people hurt in accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. If you were injured in an accident as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, for example, Uber or Lyft, these claims have specific insurance rules. During an active ride, Uber and Lyft carry $1,000,000 in liability coverage. From January 1, 2026, the uninsured/underinsured motorist limit for passengers is $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident (Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 5433). We also help people who suffered catastrophic injuries or those who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident. You can learn more about our work on our personal injury law hub. We also handle cases for people in other Los Angeles cities, like Agoura Hills or Carson.
What should you do after an Arcadia car accident?
After an Arcadia car accident, prioritize your safety and health. These steps can protect your legal rights later:
Ensure safety and call 911: Move to a safe location if possible. Report the accident to 911, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Law enforcement will create an official accident report.
Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance details, driver's license number, and vehicle license plate number. Do not discuss fault at the scene.
Document the scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the vehicles, accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. Your medical records will be important evidence for your claim.
Contact a lawyer: Speak with a Los Angeles car accident attorney as soon as you can. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the next steps for your specific situation. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without legal advice.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means we handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Our team gathers evidence, communicates with insurance companies, and works to build a strong case on your behalf. This includes collecting police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
We pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. If a public entity is involved, we will help prepare and file the six-month government claim. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions directly. Our focus is on helping you recover what you deserve. We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, including those in pedestrian accident claims and catastrophic injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was hit by an uninsured driver in Arcadia?
If you were hit by an uninsured driver in Arcadia, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can provide compensation. UM coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. Review your own policy to understand its limits and how it applies.
Can I still get compensation if the car accident was partly my fault?
Yes, you can still get compensation even if the car accident was partly your fault. California uses a pure comparative negligence rule. This means your financial recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering simply because you contributed to the accident. For example, if you are found 30% at fault for a car accident, you can still recover 70% of your total damages.
How much will it cost to hire a car accident attorney in Arcadia?
Hiring a car accident attorney at Casa Legal Los Angeles will not cost you anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means no attorney's fees unless we win your case — and no case costs either. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court award.
What type of damages can I recover after a car accident?
After a car accident, California law allows recovery for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include quantifiable losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The specific amount depends on the facts of your claim.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Arcadia, call Casa Legal Los Angeles today. We offer a free conversation about your specific situation. Reach out to us at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Arcadia
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Arcadia and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Arcadia claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Arcadia is filed in Pasadena Courthouse, Northeast District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in Arcadia
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Arcadia (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).