In a California personal injury case, the term “claim” is the official way of saying:
- You’re taking action against the person or group responsible for your accident and injuries.
Filing a claim is about protecting your rights and taking care of your injuries. But the way you choose to do that depends on the situation. On top of everything else you’re dealing with, it makes an already challenging situation tougher. One way to make things easier is to talk with our team at Maison Law. Set up a free consultation today to talk through your claims options.
What Kind of Claim Can I File After I’m Injured in California?
Knowing you can file a claim after an accident is one thing—actually doing it is another. Between medical bills, missed paychecks, and everyday life, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that most claims in California follow a similar process, no matter what kind of accident you’re in:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court. The first step is usually filing a claim with the responsible person’s insurance. Insurance adjusters almost always offer less than your case is really worth. Our job is to make sure all your losses are considered—not just obvious ones like medical bills, but also lost wages, ongoing care, and future needs.
- Filing a lawsuit. If the insurance company refuses to play fair, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. This option takes longer, but it can be the only way to get the support you need. We handle all the details, from gathering evidence and expert opinions to presenting your story in court.
Again, you can file both an insurance claim and a lawsuit if you need to. But the overall goal of even filing a claim is to get financial help for what you’ve lost.
What Can I Get When I File a Claim After an Accident?
A claim is how the law helps you recover what you’ve lost because of someone else’s actions. In California, “damages” is the term for these losses, and they can include:
- Medical expenses, ER visits and surgeries to physical therapy and ongoing care.
- Lost income, covering any paychecks you’ve missed plus any long-term impact on your ability to work.
- Property damage covers repair or replacement costs for things like your car, electronics, or clothing that were ruined in the accident.
- Pain and suffering covers costs associated with the discomfort and long-term limitations caused by your injury.
- Emotional distress, which is similar to pain and suffering, except it covers the emotional side of things like anxiety, depression, or trauma linked to the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life covers costs related to you not being able to take part in hobbies, family activities, or other things that used to bring you joy.
California law usually gives you two years from the accident date to file a claim. That may seem like plenty of time, but evidence fades fast. Acting sooner makes it easier to protect your rights and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Our team will be there from the beginning to guide you through everything. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
