Does a driver always owe money after a car accident in Cerritos?
No, a driver does not always owe money after a car accident in Cerritos. California law uses pure comparative negligence, which means fault for a crash can be shared among multiple parties, including you.
If you bear some responsibility for an accident, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury decides you were 20% at fault for a collision, your total recovery would be reduced by 20%. California law requires all drivers to use ordinary care while driving (Civ. Code § 1714(a)).
What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Cerritos?
You typically have two years to file a car accident lawsuit in California (CCP § 335.1). This deadline generally starts from the date of the injury.
If your claim involves a public entity, such as the City of Cerritos, Los Angeles County, or a local transit agency, you must present a formal claim within six months of the injury (Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing this shorter deadline almost always means losing your right to sue, even if the two-year period for a private defendant has not passed. While the deadline for filing a lawsuit is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities (CCP § 352(b)). To understand which deadline applies to your specific situation, it is best to speak with an attorney about your facts.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. The value of a claim depends entirely on its unique facts.
Where do I file a car accident case from Cerritos?
A personal injury case arising from an incident in Cerritos is filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under Los Angeles County rules (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024), a car accident case originating in Cerritos is generally filed in the Southeast District, specifically at the Norwalk Courthouse.
The Norwalk Courthouse is located at 12720 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650. This court handles cases where the incident occurred within its judicial district.
What types of car accidents does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle in Cerritos?
Casa Legal Los Angeles represents people injured in many types of vehicle collisions throughout Cerritos. Our attorneys help those harmed in rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, sideswipes, and head-on crashes.
We also handle cases involving distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and other forms of driver negligence that lead to serious injuries. Our work includes collisions involving commercial trucks and rideshare vehicles. We focus on personal injury and employment law throughout the Los Angeles area, including neighboring communities like Carson and Bell.
If you were injured while riding a motorcycle in Cerritos, we also handle those cases. You can learn more about specific types of crashes on our Cerritos motorcycle accident page or our main personal injury practice area hub.
What should I do after a car accident in Cerritos?
- Ensure safety and call for help: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 for emergency services if anyone is hurt or if there is significant property damage.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance details, driver's license number, and vehicle license plate. Avoid discussing fault.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Note the time, date, and location.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries appear days or weeks later, and immediate medical documentation strengthens your claim.
- Report the accident to your insurer: Notify your insurance company, but provide only factual details. Avoid making speculative statements or admitting fault.
- Consult an attorney: Speak with a Cerritos car accident attorney before talking to the other driver's insurance company. An attorney can protect your rights and help you understand your options.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. Our attorneys investigate your accident, collect evidence, identify all responsible parties, and calculate the full extent of your damages.
We communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and work to negotiate a fair resolution. If a fair settlement is not possible, we prepare your case for court and advocate for you at trial. We also represent families in wrongful death cases arising from fatal accidents in Cerritos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
If you were partially at fault for a car accident in Cerritos, California's pure comparative negligence rules still allow you to recover money. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if a jury determines you were 30% responsible for the crash, you would receive 70% of the total damages.
Can I recover money if the other driver was uninsured?
Yes, you may still be able to recover money if the other driver in a Cerritos accident was uninsured. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can provide compensation in such situations. Additionally, if the other driver is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) related to the incident, you may still be able to claim non-economic damages, even if you were uninsured yourself (Civ. Code § 3333.4).
What kinds of compensation can I seek for my injuries?
For injuries from a car accident in Cerritos, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover specific financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, property damage (learn more here), and future medical care costs. Non-economic damages address intangible losses such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The exact amount depends on the unique facts of your case.
What if my accident involved a city bus or public vehicle?
If your car accident in Cerritos involved a city bus or any other public vehicle, a different claims process applies. You must present a formal claim to the responsible government entity within six months of the accident (Gov. Code § 911.2). This is a strict deadline, and missing it can prevent you from pursuing your case. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible after such an incident.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Cerritos, call us at 888-585-2529 for a conversation about your options. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.