California Injury Law FAQ

Reviewed by David Gammill, California trial attorney · Last reviewed: October 28, 2026

These are plain answers to the questions we hear most often from injured people in Torrance and across California. Each answer cites the statute or rule that controls it and links the full guide.

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in California?

Two years from the date of injury, under CCP § 335.1. If a government entity may be responsible, a written claim is due to that entity within six months under Gov. Code § 911.2, long before the two years run. Read the full answer.

Do I only have six months to sue the government in California?

Almost. Six months is the deadline to present the written claim under Gov. Code § 911.2; the lawsuit deadline under § 945.6 comes after the entity responds. If the six months slipped by, a late-claim application under § 911.4 can be made within a reasonable time, up to one year. Read the full answer.

Can I recover if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence: your recovery is reduced by your percentage of the fault, but it is not erased, no matter how high that percentage is. Read the full guide.

Is California a strict liability state for dog bites?

Yes. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for bite injuries in a public place or where the victim was lawfully present, even if the dog never showed aggression before. Read the full answer.

What happens if a hit-and-run driver hit me in California?

You still have a case. Leaving an injury crash is a crime under Vehicle Code § 20001, many drivers are identified, and your own uninsured motorist coverage can pay if the driver never is. Read the full answer.

Can I sue the police for excessive force in California?

Yes. The Bane Act, Civil Code § 52.1, and federal civil rights law both allow excessive force claims. A claim against a police agency carries the six-month government claim deadline. Read the full answer.

Not sure which answer fits your situation? Call Gammill Law at 310-750-4149 or request a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.