California Accident Information
Had an Accident? Start Here.
Whatever happened — and wherever it happened — you don't have to figure it out alone. Here you'll find clear, general information about injuries, accidents, and workers' compensation in California.
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Making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.
Any Accident
Road, home, work, travel, or public places.
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Plain answers about what to do next.
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General information only — no legal or medical advice.
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What Kind of Accident Did You Have?
Choose the one that fits best to find useful information.
Not sure which one fits? That's okay — browse the guides below.
Step by Step
Your Recovery Roadmap
After an accident, it's hard to know what matters most. Here's what to focus on, one step at a time.
01
The First 24 Hours
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Report the accident (police, property manager, driver, or transit operator)
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel okay
02
The First Week
- Follow your doctor's instructions and keep every appointment
- Ask for a copy of the police or incident report
- Keep receipts, bills, and records in one folder
- Write down what happened while it's fresh
- Keep copies of all reports and paperwork
03
The First Month
- Keep a simple daily journal of pain, symptoms, and limits
- Track missed work and lost income
- Save mileage for medical appointments
- Don't post about the accident on social media
- Follow up on your insurance or workers' comp claim
Medical Bills
Who Pays My Medical Bills Right Now?
This is one of the biggest worries after an accident. Here are the most common sources of help. Every situation is different, and an attorney can explain yours.
Your Health Insurance
Your health plan may cover treatment now. It may ask to be repaid later if you receive a settlement.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you have MedPay on your auto policy, it may help with medical bills after a vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Workers' Compensation
If you were hurt on the job, workers' comp generally covers medical care and part of your lost wages.
WorkersCompensation.ioThe Responsible Party's Insurance
The at-fault person's or business's insurance may pay for your losses, usually at the end of the claim.
Treatment on a Lien
Some doctors may treat you now and wait to be paid from a future settlement. Always ask for the terms in writing.
Don't skip medical care because you're worried about cost. Ask about your options first.
Accident Types
Accidents People Don't Always Think About
Many people don't realize these accidents may give them a right to compensation.
Bus, Train & Public Transit
In California, buses, trains, and other common carriers must use a very high degree of care for passengers. Public agencies also have short deadlines.
Scooter & E-Bike Accidents
Rider, pedestrian, or driver — the scooter company, a driver, or a city may be involved.
Hotel & Vacation Accidents
Falls, pool injuries, and unsafe rooms while traveling.
Airport & Airline Accidents
Falls, baggage injuries, and escalator accidents.
Gyms, Parks & Recreation
Broken equipment and unsafe facilities.
Parking Lots & Garages
Backing accidents, poor lighting, and hazards.
Elevators & Escalators
Malfunctions and sudden stops.
Construction Zones
Injuries to pedestrians, drivers, and passersby near worksites.
Boating & Watercraft
Boats, jet skis, and rentals.
School & Playground Accidents
Injuries to children at schools, daycares, and parks.
Worth Knowing
Special Situations
A Child Was Hurt
Rules can be different when the injured person is under 18. Claims against schools or other public agencies still have short deadlines.
An Older Adult Was Hurt
Falls and injuries to seniors can be serious. Family members can reach out on their behalf.
You're Visiting California
If you were hurt while visiting, California law generally applies to accidents that happened here, even if you live elsewhere.
A Government Agency Is Involved
City buses, public property, and government vehicles usually require a written claim within about six months.
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Your Health First
Getting Medical Care
If you've been hurt, your health comes first. In an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as you can, even if you feel fine, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and photos. You are free to choose your own doctor.
If you were hurt at work, report the injury to your employer right away; California generally requires you to report a work injury within 30 days. Your employer's workers' compensation insurance generally covers medical treatment for a work injury.
After a car accident, if anyone was injured or killed, or property damage is more than $1,000, California requires you to report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1.
Every Accident Has a Deadline
In California, you generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a public agency is involved — a city bus, a public sidewalk, a school, or a government vehicle — you may need to file a written claim within about six months. Work injuries have their own deadlines, and rules can be different for children. The sooner you understand your deadlines, the more options you may have.
Learn About Getting Medical CareFAQ
Questions People Often Ask
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