When filing or defending a personal injury claim in California, it’s essential to understand the specific laws that govern liability, damages, timelines, and legal processes. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most relevant California codes personal injury attorneys use when pursuing justice for injury victims.

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

Understanding these legal codes helps both clients and attorneys navigate the complexities of California personal injury law. If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, contact our experienced team today for a free consultation.