California operates under a fault-based tort system for motor vehicle crashes, applying a pure comparative negligence rule for damages.
1. Pure Comparative Fault Rule
California applies a pure comparative negligence standard. If you are injured in an accident, your financial recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 30% responsible for the collision, you will receive $70,000. Under this pure standard, you can still recover damages even if you were 99% responsible for the accident.
2. Low Minimum Auto Insurance Limits
California has exceptionally low minimum liability insurance limits, known as 15/30/5:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $5,000 for property damage.
3. Statute of Limitations
In California, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident is **two (2) years** from the date of the crash. Property damage claims must be filed within three (3) years.