Fighting for you is what we do
California Car Accident & Auto Injury Lawyers
Injured in a car accident? Our experienced attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for injured Californians. We’ll protect your rights, handle the insurance company, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Scranton Law Firm
California's Top Car Accident Attorneys
Get the Support You Deserve After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with pain, confusion, and stress. At The Scranton Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. Our mission is to provide clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
On this page, you’ll find essential information about your rights, the legal process, insurance claims, and how to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under California law. Whether you’ve suffered minor injuries or significant losses, our experienced team is here to fight for you.
For over 50 years, we’ve been the trusted advocates for California car accident victims, helping clients recover over $1 billion in compensation. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and get back on the road to recovery.
Why Choose The Scranton Law Firm?
🕒 Available 24/7 – Call or message us anytime.
💼 Free Consultation – No upfront costs.
⚖️ You Pay Nothing Unless We Win – Risk-free representation.
💰 Over $1 Billion Recovered – Trusted by thousands of clients.
📅 50+ Years of Experience – Dedicated to car accident victims.
Your Road to Recovery Starts Here
- Californias Top Car Accident Lawyers
- What Should I Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident?
- Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
- Common Injuries in California Car Accidents
- Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Car Accident in California
- Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in California?
- Dealing With the Insurance Company After a Car Accident
- Evidence That Strengthens Your Car Accident Claim
- Tell Us About Your Case
- Car Accident Lawyers Serving All of Northern California
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Contacts & Resources for Northern California Car Accident Victims
What To Do Following a California Motor Vehicle Accident
Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect your health, strengthen your case, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you. No matter where your accident happened—on I-5, I-80, Highway 101, or a local street—following these steps will help safeguard your rights.
🔥 Prioritize Safety
Move out of traffic if you can and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or if the accident caused significant damage. Crashes on California freeways often block lanes quickly, so getting emergency services on the scene is critical for safety and documentation.
🚓 Call the Police
Make sure the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the local police department responds to the scene and creates an official police report. Insurance companies rely heavily on this official record when determining fault under California Vehicle Codes.
📸 Collect Evidence
If you’re able, take photos of the scene, the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get names and contact information for witnesses and all other drivers. This evidence is extremely valuable in California liability cases, where collisions often happen fast in heavy traffic.
🏥 Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many accident injuries—especially soft-tissue, spinal, or head trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. Early medical documentation also strengthens your claim against insurance adjusters.
📞 Contact the Scranton Law Firm
Speak with a California car accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer will help preserve evidence, handle communications with the insurance company, and protect your rights from day one.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. California has strict deadlines for filing injury or wrongful death claims. Under Section 335.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, you must generally file within two years of the accident.
However, if a government entity is involved—such as a city vehicle, public bus, or dangerous road condition—you have only six months to file a government claim under Section 911.2 of the California Government Code.
If these deadlines pass, the court may refuse to hear your case entirely. This is why it is critical to contact an experienced California accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Let's make sure you get the compensation you deserve
Injured in a car or motorcycle accident anywhere in Northern California? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. Crashes across Northern California often leave victims dealing with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and insurance companies that try to shift blame or minimize payouts. You shouldn’t have to navigate that system by yourself. For more than 50 years, The Scranton Law Firm has represented injured victims throughout the East Bay, North Bay, Sacramento Valley, and the Central Valley — handling cases on major highways, rural roads, and busy city intersections across the region. If you were hurt because another driver was careless, our team is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the claims process. Fill out the form to get your free case review. A member of our legal team will reach out right away to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery. You focus on healing — we’ll handle the rest.
Find Out If You Have A Case.
For Free!
Car accidents can happen in an instant, but most crashes in California are caused by a few predictable behaviors. Understanding what leads to these collisions can help you recognize what the insurance company will look at — and what evidence your attorney will use to prove fault.
Here are the most common causes of crashes we see across California:
Distracted Driving
Texting, adjusting GPS, eating, reaching for items, or simply not paying attention is one of the leading causes of crashes. Even a quick glance away from the road can cause a rear-end or intersection collision.
Speeding & Unsafe Driving
Speeding reduces reaction time and greatly increases the severity of injuries. Many Highway 4, I-80, and East Bay crashes involve drivers traveling too fast for traffic or weather conditions.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Failing to check blind spots, drifting between lanes, or merging aggressively leads to sideswipe and multi-vehicle crashes — especially in heavy commuter traffic.
If your accident involved several vehicles, you may find our guide helpful:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/determining-liability-in-mulit-vehicle-accidents/
Failure to Yield
Drivers who run red lights, ignore stop signs, or make dangerous left turns cause some of the most serious crashes. These cases often involve clear negligence and strong evidence in the victim’s favor.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol or drug impairment remains a major cause of serious and fatal collisions in California. DUI crashes often result in significant compensation due to the reckless nature of the conduct.
Tailgating & Rear-End Collisions
Following too closely is a major cause of freeway and stop-and-go traffic accidents. Even “minor” rear-end crashes can cause long-lasting injuries like whiplash and back pain.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Road rage, excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, and other aggressive behaviors significantly increase the likelihood of a crash.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are common in California. If the at-fault driver fled the scene, you may still be covered under your own policy. Learn more here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/uninsured-underinsured-motorist-insurance-explained/
Common Injuries in California Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries — some immediately obvious, others hidden for days or even weeks. Even “minor” crashes can leave victims with long-term pain, mobility issues, or permanent disabilities. Understanding the types of injuries associated with car accidents can help you recognize symptoms early and strengthen your claim.
Here are some of the most common injuries we see in California car accident cases:
Whiplash & Soft-Tissue Injuries
Sudden force from a collision can stretch or tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are extremely common in rear-end crashes and can cause lasting neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Back & Spinal Injuries
Herniated discs, nerve compression, and spinal damage often result from the violent impact of a crash. These injuries may require long-term treatment, physical therapy, or even surgery.
Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head trauma can occur even without direct impact. Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, memory problems, or headaches may not show up right away. TBIs are among the most serious car accident injuries.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Arms, legs, ribs, and wrists are especially vulnerable during a collision. Fractures can require hospitalization, surgeries, or extended recovery periods.
Shoulder, Knee & Joint Damage
Seatbelts can strain shoulders during impact, while sudden force can twist or damage knees and joints. These injuries can significantly limit mobility and daily function.
Internal Injuries
Blunt-force trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately visible. These are medical emergencies that need immediate attention.
Facial Injuries
Airbags, broken glass, or steering wheel impact can cause facial fractures, dental injuries, or lacerations — often requiring surgical repair.
Psychological Trauma
It’s common for accident victims to experience anxiety, PTSD, or emotional distress following a crash. Mental and emotional harm is a valid part of a car accident claim.
Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in California?
Determining who is responsible for a car accident is one of the most important parts of any injury claim. In California, liability is based on negligence — meaning another driver failed to act safely and their actions caused the collision. Understanding how fault is assigned can make a major difference in the success of your case.
Here are the key elements of liability in California car accidents:
Negligence & Duty of Care
Every driver has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. When someone breaks that duty — by speeding, texting, driving drunk, or making unsafe turns — they can be held liable for the injuries and damage they cause.
Comparative Negligence
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning more than one driver can share fault. Even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover compensation — your payment is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Police Reports & Evidence
Police reports often serve as the foundation of a car accident claim. They include:
• Officer observations
• Driver statements
• Witness accounts
• Diagrams of the crash
• Any citations issued
While not the final word, insurance companies rely heavily on these reports when determining fault.
Insurance Company Investigations After a crash, insurance adjusters will review photos, damage, statements, and medical records to build their version of events. Their objective is simple:
Reduce the value of your claim. Our job is to gather the truth, challenge their conclusions, and protect your rights.
Evidence That Helps Establish Fault
Liability can be strengthened with:
• Photos and video of the scene
• Witness statements
• Dashcam footage
• Traffic camera recordings
• Cell phone records
• Accident reconstruction
• Black box (ECM) data
If your accident involved multiple vehicles, fault becomes even more complex. You can learn more about these cases here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/determining-liability-in-mulit-vehicle-accidents/
Why This Matters for Your Case
The clearer the evidence shows the other driver was at fault, the stronger your case becomes. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured victims — especially in rear-end collisions, lane-change crashes, or multi-car pileups.
Our attorneys investigate every angle of the crash to establish liability and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Car Accident in California
A car accident can impact every part of your life — physically, emotionally, and financially. California law allows injury victims to pursue compensation for all the losses caused by another driver’s negligence.
Here are the main types of compensation available:
💊 Medical Expenses
Covers emergency care, hospital bills, imaging, surgery, medication, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and future medical treatment.
💼 Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, yo can recover lost income — including future earnings if your work ability is permanently affected.
😣 Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and daily hardships caused by your injuries.
📉 Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries make it harder to work in your profession, you may recover compensation for long-term financial losses.
🚗 Property Damage
Covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash.
🧠 Emotional Distress & Mental Health
Car accidents often lead to anxiety, PTSD, sleep issues, and ongoing emotional challenges — all compensable under California law.
♿ Permanent Disability, Scarring & Disfigurement
Serious injuries can lead to life-changing physical impacts. California allows recovery for long-term or lifelong impairment.
🕊️ Wrongful Death Damages
Families who lose a loved one may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Learn more:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/is-a-fatal-vehicle-accident-considered-a-wrongful-death/
How We Maximize Your Compensation
Insurance companies often undervalue or ignore damages like pain and suffering, long-term treatment, emotional distress, or future wage loss. Our attorneys work with medical experts, financial professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists to prove the full extent of your losses.
By building a complete picture of your damages, we fight to secure the maximum compensation available under California law.
Dealing With the Insurance Company After a Car Accident
Insurance companies often work quickly after a crash — not to help you, but to protect their bottom line. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, shift blame, and pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Understanding how the insurance process works can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Here’s what to expect when dealing with insurance companies:
📞 Recorded Statements
Adjusters may ask you for a recorded statement soon after the crash.
You are not required by law to give one to the other driver’s insurance company. These statements are often used to twist your words or reduce your claim.
📄 Medical Record Requests
Insurance companies may request access to your medical history.
Never sign blanket medical authorizations — they may use unrelated injuries to argue your current pain isn’t from the crash.
💰 Early Settlement Offers
Quick settlement offers usually represent a fraction of what your claim is worth.
Once you accept, you cannot request more money later — even if injuries worsen.
📝 Claims Adjuster Tactics
Common strategies include:
• Downplaying injuries
• Suggesting your pain is “normal” or unrelated
• Arguing your vehicle wasn’t damaged enough
• Blaming you for part of the crash
• Delaying communication to pressure you
Our attorneys deal with these tactics every day — so you don’t have to.
🚫 Don’t Fight the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance companies have teams of professionals working against you.
Our job is to level the playing field by:
• Communicating with adjusters
• Protecting your statements
• Documenting all injuries
• Building a strong narrative for your claim
• Negotiating aggressively on your behalf
🛡️ Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims (UM/UIM)
If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, you may still be protected under your own policy. These claims can be complicated, but they’re often the only way to recover full compensation.
Learn more here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/uninsured-underinsured-motorist-insurance-explained/
Find Out If You Have A Case.
For Free!
Evidence That Strengthens Your Car Accident Claim
Strong evidence is one of the most important factors in winning a car accident case. The more clearly we can show what happened — and how it affected your life — the harder it becomes for the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim.
Here are the types of evidence that can make a major difference:
📸 Photos & Videos of the Scene
Pictures taken at the crash scene can show vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, road conditions, and traffic signals. Video footage from cell phones or bystanders can be even more powerful.
👁️ Witness Statements
Independent witnesses often provide unbiased accounts of how the crash happened. Their statements help support your version of events and challenge false claims from the other driver.
Learn more about the importance of scene evidence here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/the-importance-of-scene-photos-and-witness-statements-in-car-accident-claims/
🚓 Police Reports
Police officers document key details, such as:
• Who was involved
• Driver statements
• Vehicle positions
• Citations issued
• Officer observations
Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports when assessing fault.
🎥 Dashcam & Traffic Camera Footage
Dashcams and city intersection cameras can provide clear, objective proof of what happened. This type of evidence often resolves disputes quickly
🧾 Medical Records
Your medical documentation is critical for proving injury severity, treatment needs, and long-term effects. Records from ER visits, specialists, imaging, physical therapy, and future treatment plans all support your claim.
🛠️ Vehicle Damage Reports
Crash damage can reveal how the collision occurred and support accident reconstruction. Even “minimal” damage doesn’t mean there’s no injury — something insurance companies often try to argue.
📊 Expert Analysis & Accident Reconstruction
In serious or complex cases, crash reconstruction experts may analyze vehicle data, black box (ECM) information, or skid marks to show precisely how the crash happened.
Why This Matters for Your Case
The insurance company’s goal is to downplay your injuries and minimize your payout.
Our goal is to present clear, undeniable evidence of the truth.
By gathering, preserving, and presenting the strongest possible evidence, our attorneys build a case that forces the insurance company to take you seriously — and pay what your claim is truly worth.
Car Accident Lawyers Serving All of Northern California
The Scranton Law Firm represents injured drivers, passengers, and families across all of Northern California. Whether your accident occurred in a major city, a suburban neighborhood, or on a rural stretch of highway, our attorneys have the experience and resources to help.
If your city is not listed below, don’t worry — we handle car accident cases throughout the entire region.
Concord Car Accident Lawyers
From the crowded lanes of Highway 242 to the busy intersections along Clayton Road and Willow Pass Road, Concord sees thousands of collisions every year. If your crash happened here, our Concord car accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/concord-car-accident-lawyer/
Antioch Car Accident Lawyers
Highway 4, Lone Tree Way, and Deer Valley Road are among the most accident-prone roadways in East Contra Costa County. If you were injured in an Antioch car accident, our team understands the local traffic patterns and knows how to build a strong claim. Learn more about our Antioch car accident lawyers here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/antioch-car-accident-lawyer/
Vallejo Car Accident Lawyers
From I-80 near the Carquinez Bridge to the busy streets of Sonoma Boulevard, severe crashes are common in and around Vallejo. Our Vallejo car accident attorneys represent victims throughout Solano County and can help you pursue full compensation.
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/vallejo-car-accident-lawyer/
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
Whether your crash happened on I-5, Highway 99, or the surface streets of Midtown or Natomas, Sacramento’s heavy traffic leads to thousands of injury collisions each year. Our Sacramento car accident lawyers help victims throughout the Sacramento Valley recover the compensation they need.
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/sacramento-car-accident-lawyer/
Stockton Car Accident Lawyers
Accidents along I-5, the Crosstown Freeway (Hwy 4), and Hammer Lane are extremely common. If your crash occurred in San Joaquin County, our Stockton car accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue the recovery you deserve.
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/stockton-car-accident-lawyer/
Not in One of These Cities? We Still Have You Covered.
We serve clients throughout the East Bay, North Bay, Sacramento Valley, Central Valley, and all surrounding Northern California communities.
No matter where your accident happened, our team is ready to help.
Have a Question?
FAQ'S
Motorcycle accident claims often involve more complexity than standard car crashes, especially along Highway 4 and Antioch’s major intersections where liability is frequently disputed. If you didn’t find your exact question here, or if you want a clearer explanation based on your situation, our team is available to help.
You can speak with an Antioch motorcycle accident attorney today and get straightforward answers about your rights, your injuries, and the next steps to take.
After ensuring your safety and calling 911, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and exchanging details with the other driver. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention — delayed symptoms are extremely common. Before speaking with any insurance company, consider contacting a car accident attorney who can protect your rights during the early stages of your claim.
For minor property-damage-only accidents, you may be able to manage the claim on your own. But if you were injured — even slightly — a lawyer can prevent insurers from undervaluing or denying your claim. Insurance companies often pressure unrepresented victims into low settlements. An attorney can handle medical documentation, liability disputes, and negotiations to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. For government-related claims — involving city vehicles, public buses, unsafe roadways, etc. — you only have six months to file a government claim. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so contacting an attorney early is crucial.
You may still be covered through your own Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy. These claims can be complex because your own insurance company essentially becomes the opposing party. To learn more, review our guide here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/uninsured-underinsured-motorist-insurance-explained/
Car accident victims may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future loss of earnings, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases involving long-term injuries or disability, future medical care, home modifications, and loss of quality of life may also be included. Every case is different — the value depends on your injuries, liability, and insurance coverage.
You are required to cooperate with your insurance company, but you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Adjusters often use these statements to twist your words or shift blame. A lawyer can manage all communication for you, ensuring nothing is said that could hurt your claim.
Fault is established using police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, traffic camera footage, and sometimes accident reconstruction. California follows a comparative fault system, meaning compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you’re partially responsible, you may still recover damages. More details here:
https://scrantonlawfirm.com/establishing-fault-in-motorcycle-accidents-a-comprehensive-guide/
Hit-and-run victims may be eligible for compensation through UM coverage, even if the at-fault driver is never found. Prompt reporting to the police and your insurance company is essential. An attorney can help ensure your claim meets the strict requirements insurers impose on hit-and-run cases.
Settlement timelines vary depending on injury severity, medical treatment length, liability disputes, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Minor injury cases may settle in a few months, while serious injury cases can take a year or longer. A lawyer’s job is to ensure you don’t settle before the full extent of your injuries and future needs are known.
Most California car accident attorneys — including The Scranton Law Firm — work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out-of-pocket. The attorney only gets paid if they win your case. This risk-free structure makes it easier for injury victims to get legal help without financial stress.
Important Contacts & Resources for Northern California Car Accident Victims
Knowing where to access official accident reports, traffic updates, and medical care can make a major difference after a collision. Below are the primary Northern California agencies and resources most often involved in car accident investigations and treatment. These links help victims obtain records, understand their next steps, and support their legal claims.
Law Enforcement & Accident Reporting
California Highway Patrol (CHP)
(Covers all major highways and most unincorporated areas)
• CHP Statewide Portal – https://www.chp.ca.gov
• Golden Gate Division (Bay Area) – https://www.chp.ca.gov/home/divisions/golden-gate-division
• Valley Division (Sacramento/Central Valley) – https://www.chp.ca.gov/home/divisions/valley-division
Major City Police Departments (Primary Service Areas We Handle)
Instead of listing every city in Northern California, we provide the main agencies serving the regions where most of our clients are injured:
• Concord Police Department – https://www.cityofconcord.org/398/Police
• Antioch Police Department – https://www.antiochca.gov/police/
• Vallejo Police Department – https://www.cityofvallejo.net/our_city/departments___divisions/police
Traffic, Road Conditions & Live Updates
• Caltrans District 4 (Bay Area) – https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4
• Caltrans District 3 (Sacramento & Northern Central Valley) – https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-3
• California 511 (Traffic Cameras, Alerts, Transit Info) – https://511.org
Hospitals & Trauma Centers (Serving Northern California)
We commonly assist clients treated at these major trauma centers and hospitals across the region:
• John Muir Medical Center – Walnut Creek (Level II Trauma Center)
https://www.johnmuirhealth.com
• Sutter Delta Medical Center – Antioch
https://www.sutterhealth.org/delta
• Kaiser Permanente Antioch
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
• UC Davis Medical Center – Sacramento (Level I Trauma Center)
https://health.ucdavis.edu
• St. Joseph’s Medical Center – Stockton
https://www.dignityhealth.org/stockton
Additional Helpful Resources
• California DMV – SR-1 Accident Reporting Form – https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-forms/sr/sr1/
• California Courts – Civil Case Information – https://www.courts.ca.gov
• NHTSA – Crash Statistics & Safety Data – https://www.nhtsa.gov
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