Los Angeles Car Accident Statute of Limitation

By Timothy Hobbs

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Car Accidents

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Last Modified on Oct 01, 2025

After a car accident, filing your legal claim as soon as possible is recommended, but victims also need to focus their energy on rest and recovery. Knowing Los Angeles’ car accident statute of limitations is key, as well as seeking help from a seasoned legal professional who can work quickly after an accident to make the entire process easier on the victim.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer With Years of Professional Experience

Since 2011, Attorneys Timothy Hobbs and Kristin Hobbs of Hobbs Law Group have fought for the rights of California residents. Our team understands how devastating a car accident can be. You don’t have to go through your case alone.

Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers work hard to help clients feel in control of their lives after such a destabilizing event. Our lawyers have recovered over $10,000,000 for our clients who’ve suffered a personal injury and wrongful death. Let us be the ones to help you during this difficult time.

We’ve recently helped secure:

• $142,000 for a client who suffered soft tissue damage after an auto accident
• $300,000 for a client who was involved in a rear-end collision. Their insurance policy limit was only $100,000.
• $2,500,000 for a client involved in a pedestrian-car crash incident

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

In 2023, Los Angeles had a population of 3.86 million residents. Known for its heavy traffic congestion, the average work commute time in Los Angeles was 31.1 minutes.

Los Angeles has a dozen major freeways connecting different regions. These freeways include the 405, commonly used to reach LAX, and Interstate 10, which runs from Santa Monica past downtown LA.

The Hollywood/Ventura Freeway, Ventura Freeway, Foothill Freeway, Golden State/Santa Ana Freeway, and the Glendale Freeway/Angeles Crest Highway are all commonly used by those living in the city. These roads see thousands of daily commuters, making the likelihood of an accident high.

After a car accident in Los Angeles, there are key steps to take to ensure your safety and legal rights are protected. Be sure to:

1. Call 911 and report the incident. You’ll want to request medical care from the operator, even if you feel fine physically. Adrenaline can make a person unaware of pain, but once it wears off, you may have extensive injuries. Internal injuries and concussions may not present symptoms until later.
2. Obtain the contact and insurance information from the other driver involved in the crash while you wait for police and paramedics to arrive.
3. Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. Your lawyer will be able to collect their witness statement later on.
4. Take photos and videos of the crash site if you can, including any skid marks or property damage caused by the accident. Take photos of any visible injuries you may have. Include photos and videos of damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings, such as your cell phone or bag.

During this time, don’t apologize or admit fault in the accident. Doing so can be used against you later on in your legal case. You’ll then want to hire a car accident lawyer to guide you through the next steps.

Deadlines For Filing Your Car Accident Claim

In 2023, there were 4,061 traffic deaths in California. Those who survive a crash can file a legal claim to pursue compensation for their losses. These cases are generally filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street.

In California, if someone is injured because of another person, you generally have two years to file a legal case against them. The two-year period starts on the date the injury or death occurred.

However, for car accidents involving a government vehicle, the deadline shifts. You must submit your claim within six months of the date the incident happened.

While this timeline may seem long, acting quickly after an accident is critical. The longer you wait to file, the greater the potential of evidence fading with time. Witness memories fade, and accident scenes are cleaned quickly. Surveillance footage of the crash may be taped over. If you work with a lawyer and file your claim early, the chances of a successful case increase.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Needed in a Car Accident Case in Los Angeles?

Having extensive evidence in your car accident case is key. Evidence can include copies of incident reports and medical records. Your Los Angeles car accident lawyer can get eyewitness and expert testimony about the crash. Photos and videos taken at the time can be included. Be sure to include any dashcam, traffic camera, or surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residential homes.

What Happens if the Other Driver Refuses to Share Their Information With Me?

If the other driver refuses to share their information with you, don’t argue with them. Doing so will only escalate things and potentially affect your future legal case. Instead, wait for the police to collect their information on your behalf. If the driver tries to flee the scene before law enforcement arrives, take photos of their license plate and car make and model.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover From a Car Accident in California?

There are two main types of damages that can be recovered in a car accident case in California. Your lawyer will be able to calculate the maximum amount possible in your unique case. Economic damages are based on financial losses incurred. These can include medical bills, such as surgeries or physical therapy, and lost income due to missing work from your injuries. Non-economic damages are subjective and based on emotional losses, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Are Punitive Damages in a Car Accident Case?

 Punitive damages are a special type of damages that may be awarded, depending on the circumstances of your case. They are given to victims when the responsible party acted with malice or recklessness, such as extreme intoxication that led to the crash. While it provides more compensation to the victim, it’s ultimately meant to further punish the wrongdoer and deter any similar behavior in the future.

Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm That Locals Trust

The team at Hobbs Law Group is dedicated to helping our neighbors and community members through some of their darkest times. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t request payment until we secure compensation for your case.