If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it helps to know which California laws apply to your situation. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or something more serious, certain legal codes shape how your case moves forward. They cover things like how long you have to file a claim, what kind of damages you can ask for, and how fault gets decided. This page is here to give you a clearer look at the laws that matter most in California personal injury cases.

Deldar Legal and our team of California personal injury lawyers have laid out some of the most common codes so you can understand your rights and how the system works. You don’t need a law degree to have access to legal resources. We firmly believe that the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel about what comes next in your case. Take a look through the sections below to get familiar with the California legal codes.

1. Auto Accidents

California Vehicle Code § 17150 – Owner liability for negligent operation.
Vehicle Code § 20001-20002 – Duty in case of injury or death (hit and run laws).
Vehicle Code § 23152-23153 – Driving under the influence (DUI).
Civil Code § 3333 – Measure of damages for torts.

2. Aviation Accidents

Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) – Title 14 of the CFR (federal, but often relevant).
Public Utilities Code § 21401-21407 – Regulation of air commerce in California.
Civil Code § 2100-2110 – Common carrier liability for passengers.

3. Bicycle Accidents

Vehicle Code § 21200-21212 – Operation of bicycles.
Vehicle Code § 21201 – Equipment requirements.
Vehicle Code § 21760 – Passing of bicycles by motor vehicles.

4. Big Rig and Truck Accidents

Vehicle Code § 34500-34520 – Motor carrier safety regulations.
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 13 – Trucking and commercial vehicle rules.
Civil Code § 3281 – Right to recover damages for harm caused.

5. Boating Accidents

Harbors and Navigation Code § 660-668.5 – Liability in boating accidents.
Harbors and Navigation Code § 655 – Reckless or negligent operation.
Federal Maritime Law – May apply in navigable waters.

6. Brain Injuries

Civil Code § 3333.2 – Non-economic damages in medical malpractice (MICRA cap).
Government Code § 815.2 – Governmental tort liability (if public entity involved).
Often linked with broader tort laws under Civil Code § 3281 et seq.

7. Burn Injuries

Health and Safety Code § 13105 – Fire safety regulations.
Civil Code § 1714 – Liability for negligence (general).
Government Code § 835 – Dangerous condition of public property.

8. Bus Accidents

Public Utilities Code § 99000 et seq. – Transit operator laws.
Civil Code § 2100-2104 – Common carriers must use utmost care.
Government Code § 911.2 – Tort claims against public transit entities (notice of claim deadlines).

9. Catastrophic Injuries

Civil Code § 3333 – Full compensatory damages.
Government Code § 945.6 – Time limit to sue a public entity.
Civil Code § 3294 – Punitive damages.

10. Dog Bite Injuries

Civil Code § 3342 – Strict liability for dog bites.
Penal Code § 399 – Criminal liability for mishandling a dangerous animal.

11. Drunk Driving Accident

Vehicle Code § 23152-23153 – DUI laws and injury.
Civil Code § 3333.4 – Limits on recovery for uninsured DUI drivers.
Business & Professions Code § 25602 – Dram shop liability (limited).

12. Motorcycle Accidents

Vehicle Code § 27800-27803 – Motorcycle helmet laws.
Vehicle Code § 21760 – Overtaking and passing.
Civil Code § 1714 – General negligence liability.

13. Pedestrian Accidents

Vehicle Code § 21950 – Right-of-way in crosswalks.
Vehicle Code § 21954 – Pedestrian duty of care.
Civil Code § 3333 – Damages for injury.

14. Premises Liability

Civil Code § 1714(a) – Property owner liability for negligence.
Government Code § 835 – Liability for dangerous condition of public property.
Health and Safety Code § 17920.3 – Substandard building conditions.

15. Real Estate Fraud (as Personal Injury)

Civil Code § 1709-1710 – Fraud and deceit.
Business & Professions Code § 17200 – Unfair competition law (UCL).
Penal Code § 115 – Filing of false documents.

16. Train & Metrolink Accidents

Public Utilities Code § 7655 – Railroad safety laws.
Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA) – May preempt state claims.
Civil Code § 2100-2102 – Common carrier standards.

17. Trip and Fall / Slip and Fall Accidents

Civil Code § 1714 – General negligence.
Government Code § 835 – Dangerous condition of public property.
Evidence Code § 669 – Negligence per se (violation of safety statute).

18. Uber and Lyft Accidents

Public Utilities Code § 5430-5445 – Transportation network companies (TNCs).
Vehicle Code § 5430 – Insurance requirements for TNCs.
Civil Code § 2100 – Standard of care for transportation providers.

19. Wrongful Death

Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60-377.62 – Who may bring action and recover.
Civil Code § 3333 – Damages available.
Probate Code § 6402 – Heirship rules (distribution).

Civil Code § 3281-3333.4 – General tort and damages principles.
Government Code § 810-996.6 – Claims against public entities.
Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 – Statute of limitations (2 years for personal injury).
Evidence Code § 669 – Presumption of negligence based on statutory violation.

Summary

Learning about the laws that apply to your injury can give you a better idea of what to expect. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. Legal rules can shape how your case moves forward, but what matters most is having someone who knows how to protect your rights. You deserve clear answers, real support, and someone who will fight for the outcome you need.

Deldar Legal believes people should never feel stuck or powerless after getting hurt. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and make a real plan for what comes next. Every step we take is about moving you toward a better future. Reach out for a free conversation about your case, and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward. Contact us at (844) 335-3271 and speak with someone today.