Adrenaline and stress hormones mask pain right after a crash, and inflammation develops over the following days. That is why doctors recommend an evaluation even when you feel fine at the scene.

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.

As of January 1, 2025, California requires at least $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Those minimums rarely cover a serious injury.

No. UM/UIM coverage must be on your policy before the crash happens. It cannot be added retroactively, which is why reviewing your policy now matters.

No — but insurers are required to offer it, and you must reject it in writing. Given how many Southern California drivers carry no insurance or bare minimums, declining it leaves you unprotected in the most common worst-case scenario.

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.

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

A medical lien is an arrangement where a provider treats you now and is paid from your eventual settlement. It lets accident victims get care without paying significant costs upfront, even with no health insurance.

No. Liability pays people you injure. Your own injuries are covered by the at-fault driver's liability coverage — or by your own med-pay and uninsured motorist coverage when theirs falls short.

A typical policy bundles separate coverages: liability (pays others you injure), collision and comprehensive (your vehicle), medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (your injuries when the at-fault driver can't pay). Each has its own limits.