Top 5 Questions After a California Car Accident

Car accidents can leave you shaken, confused, and asking lots of questions. While your immediate concern might be your physical recovery, legal and financial problems quickly follow. Knowing your rights and legal options can greatly affect the outcome of your Bakersfield car accident case.

Here are the answers to people’s top five questions after being involved in a crash.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Is Already Offering a Settlement?

Many people wonder if hiring a lawyer after a California car accident is worth it when the insurance company seems cooperative. If they offer a settlement quickly, that might feel like a win—but is the offer truly fair?

Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to resolve claims for the lowest amount possible, often before the full scope of your injuries and damages are known. Accepting a quick settlement can leave you without compensation for future medical bills, lost wages, disability, or pain and suffering.

Your personal injury attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark can assess whether the offer accounts for all your current and future losses. They can also negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to ensure you’re properly compensated.

Legal representation typically results in higher California car accident insurance settlements, even after legal fees are accounted for.

Who Pays My Medical Bills if I Was Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough (or any) insurance, the burden of paying your medical expenses might fall on you—unless you’re covered by uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance.

In California, UM/UIM coverage is optional but highly recommended. It protects you when the other driver can’t cover your costs. If you have it, your insurance company steps in to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, up to your policy limits.

Not sure if you have this coverage? Now’s the time to check your policy or talk to your agent. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run or the other driver is uninsured, this can be the safety net that saves you from financial hardship.

What if I Was Partially at Fault? Can I Still Recover Damages in California?

Partial fault for a car accident in California doesn’t automatically bar you from receiving compensation. Thanks to the state’s pure comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages—even if you were mostly at fault.

Here’s how it works: The court determines each party’s percentage of fault, and your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame. So, if you were found 30% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you’d still receive $70,000.

Insurance adjusters often try to assign more blame to reduce what they owe, so it’s vital to have solid legal guidance when negotiating fault and damages. A lawyer protects your rights and helps ensure you’re not unfairly penalized.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim or Lawsuit After an Accident in California?

Timing matters—a lot. In California, the personal injury statute of limitations (including collisions) is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss that deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

If your claim involves a government agency—say, a city-owned bus or pothole-related crash—the window to act is even shorter: just six months to file an administrative claim.

That’s why it’s crucial not to delay. Gathering evidence, securing witness statements, and negotiating with insurers all take time. Starting early helps preserve your options and avoids costly mistakes.

Can Anything I Say (or Post Online) Be Used Against Me Later?

Absolutely. In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s natural to want to explain what happened, express concern, or even apologize. But your words—whether spoken, written, or posted online—can come back to haunt you.

Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys often scour social media for posts that could undermine your claim. A simple statement like “I’m okay,” or photos showing you out with friends can be misinterpreted to suggest you weren’t seriously injured. Even casual conversations with insurance reps can be twisted—especially if you say something that could imply fault.

To protect yourself, avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media, and don’t give recorded statements to insurers without legal advice. A qualified attorney can handle communications and make sure your case remains strong.

How Our Bakersfield Injury Lawyers Can Help You

If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in California, our personal injury attorneys can provide clarity and peace of mind. It costs nothing up front and could make all the difference in your recovery.

Contact Chain | Cohn | Clark for a no-obligation, free consultation today.