Rear-end collisions
Whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries from preventable rear-end crashes.
Car Accidents & Auto Crashes
California Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance carriers exist to pay as little as possible. We exist to make sure they pay what your case is actually worth — for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long road of recovery.
Reviewed by Ryan D. Kocaj, Founding Attorney — CA Bar No. 321680Last updated
A serious car crash doesn't just damage a vehicle. It interrupts your work, your family, your finances, and your health — sometimes for years. Within hours of a collision, the at-fault driver's insurance company is already building a file designed to minimize your claim.
Kocaj Law, P.C. has recovered more than $50 million for injured Californians. We handle every car accident case on a contingency basis: you owe nothing unless we recover for you.
Cases we take
What we handle
Each fact pattern is investigated with the same intensity — whether it settles before suit or proceeds through trial and appeal.
Highway & freeway crashes
High-speed I-5, I-405, and 91 collisions involving multiple vehicles and serious injury.
Drunk and distracted driving
Drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or smartphones — including punitive damages claims.
Hit-and-run incidents
Uninsured motorist claims and investigations to identify fleeing drivers.
Pedestrian and cyclist collisions
Crosswalk strikes, bike lane collisions, and dooring incidents.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents
Complex coverage stacks with $1M policies that insurers fight hard to avoid paying.
Why this matters
The stakes are real.
California's two-year statute of limitations sounds long — until medical treatment, missed work, and insurance adjuster calls eat the calendar. Evidence disappears: skid marks fade, witnesses move, surveillance footage gets overwritten on a 30-day loop.
The earlier we're involved, the more we can preserve. We dispatch investigators, secure ECM (vehicle "black box") data, and lock down witness statements before memories fade.
Compensation we pursue
Damages available to you
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage and diminished vehicle value
- Out-of-pocket costs (transportation, household help)
- Punitive damages where warranted
What to expect
How we build your case
- 01
Free consultation
We listen to what happened, review the police report, and tell you honestly whether you have a case.
- 02
Investigation & treatment
We coordinate with your providers, preserve evidence, and handle every adjuster call so you can focus on recovery.
- 03
Demand, suit, or trial
We negotiate aggressively — and if the carrier won't pay fairly, we file suit and try the case.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of the crash for personal injury, and three years for property damage. Claims against government entities (e.g., a city vehicle) require a written claim within six months. Call us immediately if a public entity may be involved.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. We routinely pursue UM/UIM claims and have handled bad-faith disputes when carriers refuse to pay valid claims.
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer?
No. There is no legal obligation to do so, and adjusters are trained to use recorded statements to minimize claims. Talk to us first.
What does it cost to hire Kocaj Law?
Nothing up front. We work on contingency — our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and you owe nothing if we don't win.
Related practice areas
You may also be looking for
Many of our cases overlap with the areas below. Explore related representation we offer across California and Michigan.
Wrongful Death
When a crash claims a life, surviving family members can pursue compensation under CCP § 377.60.
Learn about Wrongful DeathDog Bites
Animal attacks during or after collisions — California strict-liability claims under Civ. Code § 3342.
Learn about Dog BitesPremises Liability
Crashes in parking structures or on private property may also implicate the property owner.
Learn about Premises LiabilityNo Recovery. No Fee.
Injured? Let’s talk — your consultation is free.
You pay nothing unless we recover for you. Speak directly with Adam Kocaj today.