When To Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer In California?

Any accident is sure to be one of the hardest moments in your life. Nobody wants to be caught in an accident situation, so what happens when you are? It’s important to remember you don’t have to do it alone. The first thing many people immediately do is contact their insurance company in hopes of getting necessary bills and expenses covered, as your policy should.  Often times you feel like the underdog trying to fight an uphill battle.

You should contact a personal injury lawyer in California as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you suffered significant injuries, face high medical bills, or an insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly. An attorney can gather time-sensitive evidence, identify all liable parties, and ensure your claim is filed within California’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Acting promptly helps protect your rights, prevents costly mistakes, and maximizes potential compensation.

However, as Orange County personal injury lawyer we spend our days specializing in these situations for our clients. One call to an experienced personal injury lawyer can help set things in motion with your case, and could lead to a different outcome if you were to strictly take on the process alone. Working with insurance companies after an accident is like playing a game of Good Cop vs. Bad Cop. You don’t want to necessarily be the Bad Cop because you still want them to cover you down the road.

You need to ask yourself, “Is my insurance policy filled with a bunch of complex rules that I don’t completely understand?” and “Have I sustained injuries that are significant?” If your answer to either of those questions is “Yes” than it’s in your interest to contact an expert personal injury lawyer.

Why Timing Matters After an Injury

The decisions you make in the days and weeks after an accident can have a major impact on the outcome of your claim. Evidence such as surveillance footage, traffic camera data, or even witness memories can disappear quickly. Insurance companies also act fast, often reaching out with low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. If you sign away your rights too early, you could lose out on significant compensation for future medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

In California, timing is especially important because of strict legal deadlines:

• Most personal injury lawsuits: Must be filed within 2 years of the date of injury (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1).
• Claims against government agencies: Require filing a government claim within 6 months before a lawsuit can even be filed (California Gov. Code §911.2).
• Medical malpractice claims: Generally must be filed within 1 year of discovery or 3 years of the injury, whichever comes first (California Code of Civil Procedure §340.5).
• Recent MICRA reforms (AB 35): These laws now raise the cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, making it even more critical to act promptly and with skilled legal counsel.

Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to any recovery, no matter how strong your case is.

Key Moments to Contact a California Injury Lawyer

You don’t always need a lawyer for minor accidents, but in most serious cases, having one on your side from the start can make a dramatic difference. Here are the moments when you should call a lawyer right away:

• After receiving urgent medical care: Once you’re stable, preserving evidence and planning your legal strategy should be your next priority.
• If your injuries are severe or worsening: Conditions like head trauma, spinal injuries, or fractures may develop complications that affect your future health and your claim value.
• When fault is unclear or disputed: In multi-car accidents or slip-and-fall cases, liability is not always straightforward. A lawyer can investigate and protect you from being unfairly blamed.
• When multiple parties may be responsible: Cases involving rideshare companies, trucking firms, property managers, or defective products can involve several layers of liability and insurance coverage.
• If a government agency is involved: Claims against public entities—such as city buses, unsafe roadways, or public hospitals—must meet a 6-month filing deadline, making early legal help crucial.
• If the insurance company contacts you quickly: Adjusters often seek recorded statements or push early settlements that may undervalue your claim. A lawyer can handle communications so you don’t say or sign anything that harms your case.

The following situations are examples of when to reach out to an injury lawyer:

• Disabling Injuries (Long-term or Permanent)
• Severe Injuries
• Medical Malpractice
• Wrongful Death
• Your Insurance Company Refuses To Pay

Compensation You May Recover

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

FAQs: California Personal Injury Cases

How soon after an accident should I contact a lawyer?

Immediately. Early legal help preserves evidence and prevents costly mistakes.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

Most California personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you don’t pay unless they win your case.

Can I still file if part of the accident was my fault?

Yes. California follows comparative negligence law, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.

What if my injury seems minor?

Even minor injuries can worsen over time. Always seek medical care and legal advice before settling.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights

Your personal injury attorney should be your best advocate. Duque & Price offers the assistance you need when you are trying to cope with an accident. Don’t worry yourself with the specifics of the law and your insurance company policy, we can do it for you. If you’ve been involved in an accident and need to talk to someone to discuss your case, we’re just a convenient phone call away 1-877-241-9554.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

From humble beginnings and son of hard-working immigrant parents, Brent Duque was raised in La Puente, California. After graduating from West Covina High School and Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Duque went on to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Mr. Duque did his graduate studies in Education and Public Administration at California Polytechnic University Pomona. After working for other firms, Mr. Duque knew that if he opened his own firm, he could provide more aggressive representation, better communication with clients, and secure larger settlements and verdicts for his clients. In 2006, he started his firm and has had a remarkable and successful career that he attributes to his firm’s aggressive and relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. As owner and managing attorney of the firm, Mr. Duque has fought for and secured millions of dollars for his clients.

View all posts by Brent A. Duque →