CA·State Guide
Personal Injury Law in California
Key rules for personal injury claims in California — statute of limitations, fault system, damage caps, insurance requirements, and government claim deadlines.
Key Points — California
- 01Pure comparative fault — no percentage bar
- 022-year statute of limitations
- 036-month government claim deadline is aggressively enforced
- 04MICRA caps apply only to medical malpractice, not general injury
- 05Largest personal injury market in the U.S.
Rules at a Glance
- Statute of Limitations
- 2 years from the date of injury
- Fault System
- Pure comparative fault — California uses pure comparative fault. Even at 99% fault, the injured person can recover 1% of their damages.
- Damage Caps
- No general cap on personal injury damages. Medical malpractice non-economic damages were capped at $250,000 (MICRA), increased to $350,000–$750,000 under AB 35 (2023).
- Government Notice Deadline
- Written claim to the government entity within 6 months of the incident.
- Auto Insurance System
- At-fault state.
- Minimum Liability Coverage
- 15/30/5.
- Workers' Comp Deadline
- Report to employer within 30 days. File claim within 1 year.
Fault System in California
California uses pure comparative fault. Even at 99% fault, the injured person can recover 1% of their damages.
Auto Insurance in California
At-fault state.
Minimum required liability coverage: 15/30/5..
General information only. This page explains common concepts in plain language. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. For any specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.