California Car Accidents - Who Is Liable?

When an individual has been involved in a car accident, liability is an important issue to establish in California, as we are considered a “fault state”. A fault state puts the financial responsibility on the individuals involved. Determining which party is liable is essential because it will establish which party is responsible for covering damages,…
110+ positive reviews from our clients. Average Rating: 4.9
Schedule a Free Consultation
No Recovery | No Fee
highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
$4,970,000
Driver v. Bus Settlement
Driver v. Bus Settlement
$4,750,000
Head on Collision
Head on Collision
$4,000,000
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accident
$2,000,000
Slip and Fall
Slip and Fall
$1,560,000
Slip & Fall
Slip & Fall
$1,000,000
Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bite Injury

California Car Accidents - Who Is Liable?

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

When an individual has been involved in a car accident, liability is an important issue to establish in California, as we are considered a "fault state". A fault state puts the financial responsibility on the individuals involved. Determining which party is liable is essential because it will establish which party is responsible for covering damages, whether it be for an injury or property.

Immediately following a car accident, it is important to follow these steps.  As time begins to progress after your accident, a key date to mark in your calendar is the statute of limitations for your potential case. In the state of California, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim after a car accident is two years and three years for a property damage claim. Once the statute of limitations runs out, an individual is no longer able to pursue legal action in terms of remedying the damages or injuries incurred.

How is Liability Determined?

When it comes to determining fault in California, there are many different rules in place that make establishing liability incredibly complicated. The initial step in determining fault occurs when the police arrive to the scene of the accident. In most cases, but not all, the police will state an opinion in their report after gathering statements from individuals involved in the accident or any witnesses at the site.

Although it can be difficult to determine fault, if one of the individual’s involved was committing an act of negligence, then they will assume a portion if not all the liability. Some of these acts are, but are not limited to:

  • Drinking Under the Influence (DUI): Driving while under the influence of drugs or with an alcohol blood level of 0.08 or more.
  • Traffic Violations: Violating traffic laws such as failing to stop at a stop sign, running a red light, or even speeding.
  • Distracted Driving: This occurs when the driver is distracted by something such as a cellphone, a passenger, or even something outside of the vehicle they are operating.
  • Poor Road Conditions: If there are issues with the road conditions that potentially contributed to the accident, you may be entitled to file suit against the government.
  • Faulty or Poorly Upheld Vehicles: An accident that is the result of a defective vehicle part can occur on the manufacturing level which may then lead to a product liability claim, however a driver is at fault if they fail to adequately take care of their car, such as getting routine oil changes or brake pad replacements.

If any negligence is found by either one or both drivers, the officer will state such in the report. This police report will then be used by the insurance companies in order to determine which party will be responsible for covering the damage. Often times if both parties have been deemed negligent then the coverage will be determined on a percentage basis. Prior to getting involved in an accident, it is crucial that you understand what your car insurance covers.

If you were recently injured in an auto accident and believe you were not the party at fault, but your insurance company is trying to tell you otherwise, contact our experienced legal team today to learn what coverage is available to you. The attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm are available for a free, no obligation consultation about your potential case.

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

We Have Over 40 Years Experience in Employment & Personal Injury Law

Our Team is Comprised of Well-respected Lawyers Who Have Been Involved in Several Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
best personal injury lawyer in LA

Our employment & personal injury attorneys recognize that the individuals we work with are typically going through overwhelming and stressful times in their lives. When an individual hires us, we strive to provide the client with the strong legal representation and effective counsel they need to receive fair and just compensation. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients in their time of need. Our employment & personal injury team is comprised of well-respected lawyers who have been involved in several multi-million dollar settlements, earning us membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. This further demonstrates our ability to take on complex accident cases.

Meet the Team

What Do Our Clients Say About Us?

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I will only refer my friends and family to MICHAEL Ghozland law firm. He settle my case for good amount and I went to good doctors. This is excellent lawyer. Call him if you need help with accidents.

Herrera L

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I would like to say what a Awesome Law Firm. I Highly recommend GLF to my family and friends and everyone else. I had a unique case and they worked very hard for me and came THRU. Again thank you for always answering my calls and questions. Special thanks to Mike Ghozland.

Alex Espinosa

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

They have been super helpful and on top of my case. Everyone that I have dealt with at this law firm have taken the and been patient with answering all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this law firm.

Dolores Ochoa

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was involved in a motorcycle and 3 car crash that was caused by some guy with a suspended license and no insurance. This law firm saved my life- literally. Insurance was refusing to help cover anything but my car damage and 3 chiropractor visits. It ended up that I had...

Isabella Dino

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I definitely recommend Ghozland Law firm. I have been a Client for yrs. Michael is extremely patient, cares for his clients, and very good with communicating and Jasmine is the best She goes above and beyond. She is so attentive and caring. She’s the Goat.

Janae Love100

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Wow. This past year was a rough year for me. I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle back in June and then was laid off in November. But Jasmine Jackson, Cory Hernandez and the rest of the team at the Ghozland Law Firm really turned that around for me. Within a day after...

Tanner Gordon

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was involved in an automobile accident 6 months ago, I didn’t know where to turn. A friend recommended me to Michael Ghozland, I don’t regret it. Michael got me the compensation I deserved, will definitely recommended him to all my family and friends.

Sherrie Rosenberg

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I sent a client to Michael and Nathan and cannot express how simple the process was and my client was so happy. It is the only law firm I have ever been able to get ahold of the attorneys directly and cannot explain how great it is to be able to have that service!

Dr. Joseph Fair DC

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

First time having to need a personal injury attorney. Jasmine and the Ghozland law firm team made it stress free and hassle free. We got a great settlement and I got the treatments I needed. Professional service. I highly recommend them.

Hung T.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

The Ghozland Law Firm, have done an amazing job, having this to be my first mayor accident they were attentive, helpful and always trying to make it easy as possible. Everyone that works at the firm has been friendly. In addition thank you to Jasmine J. And Michael for all...

Derek M.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I can't say enough about the expertise of this firm and Jennifer's natural willingness to go above and beyond at every step with the cases she has successfully executed on my behalf. I urge all to use Ghozland for cases that are in their wheelhouse, you'll not be disappointed!

Tony S.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Jasmine J. And Michael have been amazing. From the date of my accident till today's date they have been by my side every step of the way. I am happy to say that i can refer them to friends and family and have faith that they will take care of other clients just as well as...

Marilyn L.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was in a car accident and called the Ghozland Law Firm. Great experience they made everything smooth for me very stress free, Jasmine is awesome she helped me with all the questions I had and was very helpful. Thank you guys for everything you have a great team. Thanks...

Sandra B.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I sent a client to Michael and Nathan and cannot express how simple the process was and my client was so happy. It is the only law firm I have ever been able to get ahold of the attorneys directly and cannot explain how great it is to be able to have that service!

Joey F.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Very professional, Michael and Nathan helped me out when I was in a major accident, I needed physical therapy. No more than six months later I was in another accident that aggravated my prior injuries. Non the less the driver was uninsured. I turned to the Ghozland firm...

Jimmy A.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Ghozland Law Firm is the law firm I can trust. Excellent attorney, very professional. I highly recommend everyone to this law firm. I'm am completely satisfied with service provided.

Don N.

5

-Stars

We Are Proud of the Work We do for Our Clients

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
Awards and Recognitions
Ghozland Law Firm AwardsGhozland Law Firm Recognitions
Schedule a Free Consultation
No Recovery | No Fee
highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

We Stand Up To Greedy Insurance Companies

Get more compensation from your slip and fall injury with expert legal representation
best personal injury lawyer in LA
With over 40 years of experience, we have handled many slip and fall cases. I can provide you with the caliber of legal services that is normally available only to large companies, due to my experience in large-scale litigation that has resulted in awards of millions of dollars on many occasions. In 2014, Michael Ghozland was named “Street Fighter of the Year” by Consumer Attorneys of California in 2014. Because of my outstanding trial record, winning your case will probably mean obtaining a private settlement, with no need to ever step into a courtroom. Insurance companies know my reputation, and most of them would rather settle than face me in a slip and fall lawsuit.