Featured result
$2,000,000
Auto v. truck
California
No fee unless we win
California car accident lawyer
We investigate, build your case, and fight insurance companies — you pay nothing unless we win.
- $350,000,000+
- Recovered for clients
- 25,000+
- Cases won
- 99.7%
- Win rate
When you've been hurt in a car accident in California, you face medical bills, lost wages, and insurers working against you. Nordean Law is an experienced trial team that negotiates aggressively and takes cases to court when needed.
How we help with your case
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Investigate the collision
Determine the cause and preserve evidence before it disappears.
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Prove liability
Gather police reports, witnesses, and expert analysis.
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Document injuries
Work with your doctors to record every dollar of damage.
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Handle insurers
Manage all communications so you don't hurt your claim.
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Meet deadlines
File within California's statute of limitations.
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Fight for maximum value
Negotiate hard or take your case to trial.
How can a car accident lawyer help in California?
At Nordean Law, we handle all types of car accident cases. Our lawyers are experienced trial attorneys and aggressive negotiators. We fight for your best interest during settlement negotiations or in court. Consultations are free and confidential.
California car accident laws & regulation
California follows a fault-based system — the at-fault driver and their insurer are responsible for damages. You must typically prove the other driver's negligence.
Minimum liability insurance. Under Senate Bill 1107 (effective January 1, 2025), California drivers must carry at least:
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $60,000 bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 property damage per accident
These limits replace the former 15/30/5 minimums. Serious injuries often exceed policy limits — an attorney can identify other coverage and liable parties.
California uses pure comparative fault: if you share blame, compensation is reduced by your share of fault. You can still recover even if you are more than 50% at fault.
The statute of limitations for most injury claims is two years from the accident date. Accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV within 10 days.
Laws change over time. Consult Nordean Law for guidance on car accident laws that apply to your case.
Injured? Get a free consultation — you pay nothing unless we win.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
There are two main ways to prove fault in California vehicle accidents.
Common law negligence
To establish negligence under common law, you must show:
- Duty of care — the other driver had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely, obey traffic laws, and avoid harming others.
- Breach of duty — they failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
- Causation — that breach directly caused the collision.
- Damages — you suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
Police reports, witness statements, photos, and expert analysis support these elements.
Statutory negligence (negligence per se)
When a driver violates the California Vehicle Code or another traffic law, they may be presumed negligent — negligence per se. The police report often notes whether a violation occurred.
If negligence per se applies, the burden shifts: the at-fault driver must prove they were not negligent. Otherwise, the law holds them accountable for the accident.
What to do after a car accident in California
- Stop immediately. Call 911 to report the accident to police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) if anyone is injured.
- Show your driver's license, registration, proof of insurance, and current address to other parties or a peace officer.
- Move vehicles off the road when safe and no one was killed or seriously injured — otherwise they may be impounded.
- If you injure or kill an animal, stop and try to locate the owner; report the incident to authorities.
- If you hit a parked vehicle or other property, try to find the owner or leave a note with your contact information.
- Document the scene with photos if you are able.
- Seek medical care — delays can hurt your claim.
- Report the collision to police or CHP when required and no officer was present at the scene.
- File a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) with the DMV within 10 days when injury, death, or property damage exceeds $1,000.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before giving recorded statements to insurers or signing settlement forms.
Get legal help from Nordean Law
Attorney Sam Nordean founded Nordean Law to help victims recover what was taken from them. Call 888.254.3222 or request a free consultation before you sign insurance forms or accept a settlement offer.
Injury statistics
Public data cited for context — not legal advice.
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~3,807
Traffic fatalities in California (2024 est.)
NHTSA · 2024
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~164,000
Total collisions in California (2024 est.)
SWITRS / NHTSA · 2024
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~10.4
Average daily traffic deaths statewide
NHTSA estimates · 2024
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12,679
Injury crashes in Orange County
TIMS / SafeTREC · 2023
Our results
Verified outcomes in related cases.
$1,100,000
Auto accident
Irvine, CA
$2,400,000
Truck accident
Riverside, CA
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case depends on its own facts and applicable law.
Recent reviews from Google
Rated 5.0 on Google with 251 reviews — feedback from clients in related cases.
- 5 stars4 months ago
I would recommend this firm to anyone I know. They had my back from start to finish. I was very pleased that they took my health very seriously and didn't leave no stone unturned. I have to give a big shout out to Oscar, Ena and everyone else who helped me during this process. Thank you!
- 5 stars6 months ago
I was involved in an accident caused by another driver while I was working for a rideshare company. Sam was the most comforting and understanding of my situation. Rey is my case manager and he went above and beyond — reaching out to insurance adjusters, chiropractors, pain management, and specialist doctors. The team was like family, checking on me and making sure I had what I needed. Thank you Sam, Naji, GiGi, Rey and the rest of the team.
“Going to court or negotiating a settlement is not akin to my client winning a lottery ticket. It's about balancing the scales; it's what they're owed.”
Frequently asked questions
What should I do when the insurance company calls?
Do not give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney. Insurers look for reasons to reduce or deny your claim.
Is it worth hiring a car accident lawyer?
Studies and experience show represented claimants typically recover more than those who handle claims alone — especially with serious injuries.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in California?
Every case differs based on injuries, liability, and insurance limits. We pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases settle, but we prepare every file for trial so insurers take your claim seriously.
Related practice areas
Areas we serve
Nordean Law represents injury victims throughout Orange County, California and Southern California.
View all areas we serve →18301 Irvine Blvd, Tustin, CA 92780
Contact our office →