Generally two years from the date of injury — but claims against government entities require a notice in as little as six months, and waiting makes evidence harder to preserve. Confirm your specific deadline with an attorney.

Yes. California follows comparative negligence: being partially at fault reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault, but it does not eliminate your claim.

Insurance companies are businesses that profit by paying less. Adjusters are trained to use your words, early offers, and treatment gaps to reduce or deny valid claims — which is why early legal guidance consistently changes outcomes.