Maison Law helps people through the claims process when they’re hurt in accidents in California. Being an immigrant in California isn’t easy—and getting hurt in an accident only makes things harder. If you’re facing possible deportation, you might be wondering if you can file a claim and get a settlement. Our team can answer these questions and more. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Can I Still Get a Settlement From a California Accident After Being Deported?
The good news is that in many cases, you can still get a settlement even if you’ve already been deported. Being injured in California gives you the right to file a claim, no matter what your immigration status is. That right doesn’t automatically go away just because you’re no longer in the U.S.
What matters is whether there’s a valid claim for your injuries–and that it’s filed within two years of the date of the accident itself.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Injury Claim?
If you’ve been hurt in California—even if you’re undocumented—you still have the right to file an injury claim. A valid claim usually comes down to this:
- Someone else caused the accident.
- You got hurt because of it.
- You can prove your losses.
That might mean medical bills, lost wages, or even emotional stress. If that sounds like your situation, there’s a good chance you have a valid claim. But it’s important for another reason: whoever caused the accident is usually responsible for actually paying your settlement (through an insurance company, in most cases.) It depends on the circumstances, but usually, it could be:
- Another driver
- A landlord or property owner
- A business or product maker
- A government agency
- Or even your employer (in workplace injury cases)
To hold them accountable, you’re going to have to show that they were negligent—meaning they didn’t take reasonable care and their actions caused your injury. From there, you can file your claim and potentially receive a settlement.
How Do You Actually Get a Settlement With an Injury Claim?
In the same way that your immigration status doesn’t prevent you from filing a claim, it also doesn’t impact how you actually get your settlement (or verdict.) Once you decide to file a claim, there’s two main options:
- Filing an insurance claim – This is often the first step, and happens outside of court. It’s a good starting point (especially if you’re worried about getting deported.) You or your lawyer file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance—like a driver’s auto policy, a business’s liability insurance, or even a government agency. The insurance company will investigate and usually make a settlement offer. Sometimes it’s fair. But if they know you’re undocumented or uninsured, they may try to lowball you. Our team can stand up for you, or help you explore your other options.
- Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t play fair, your lawyer might file a lawsuit to push for a better outcome. That doesn’t mean you’ll end up in court. Many cases still settle. But it shows you’re serious—and sometimes that’s what it takes to get a real offer.
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover money for:
- Medical care (now and in the future)
- Missed work or lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Remember, your claim has to be filed within two years of the date of the accident–the statute of limitations for injury claims in California. While that might sound like a lot of time, it’s better to act quickly. This makes it easier to get evidence and tie everything back to the initial accident. And also, our team can support you from start to finish.
Let Maison Law Help You Move Forward
If you’re hurt in California, the law protects you, no matter where you’re from or what your immigration status is. If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you have the right to file a claim and hold them accountable.
That said, not every accident needs a lawyer. If it was a minor incident and you’re feeling okay, you might be able to handle it yourself. But if your injuries are more serious, medical bills are adding up, or the insurance company isn’t playing fair—that’s when having a lawyer on your side can make a real difference. Here’s what Maison Law can do for you:
- Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to
- Investigate what happened and gather the right evidence
- Keep track of your medical records and bills
- Coordinate with your doctors or treatment providers
- Bring in experts to strengthen your case when needed
- Work to reduce your medical costs
- Negotiate directly with adjusters or lawyers
- Handle the legal process from start to finish
- And if it comes to it—go to court for you
You don’t have to worry about paying anything up front. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront and we take our fee from whatever result you get. And from day one, we’ll be honest with you about your options and what comes next. Get started today with a free, confidential consultation.
