In California, the driver who strikes another vehicle from behind is presumed to be at fault for a rear-end collision. This presumption comes from California Vehicle Code section 21703, which requires every driver to maintain a following distance that is reasonable and prudent for the speed, traffic, and road [...]
Your car insurance rate in California can go up by over 70% after an at-fault accident. The average increase translates to an extra $800 to $1,200 in annual insurance costs, and elevated rates typically stay on your insurance record for three to five years. Many drivers see their bills spike when they lose their [...]
Most California car accident settlements fall between $15,000 and $75,000 for cases involving moderate injuries and clear liability. Minor cases with soft tissue injuries typically settle in the low five figures. Cases involving surgery, permanent injury, or wrongful death regularly reach six or seven figures. There [...]
Fact-Checked: This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Please see our Editorial Guidelines. By: MICHAEL CEFALI The First Week After a Car Accident in California: What to Do (and What Not to Do) The [...]
You should hire a Pleasant Hill car accident lawyer if you have sustained physical injuries, face rising medical bills, or if the fault for the crash is being disputed. It is also essential to seek legal help if an insurance company offers a low settlement or if the accident involves complex factors, such as [...]
By: MICHAEL CEFALI | January 31, 2026 | Car Accident
When the at-fault driver has no insurance, you usually turn to your own auto insurance for help, especially uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for injuries. You may also use MedPay, health insurance for medical bills, and collision coverage for property damage, depending on your policy. If coverage is limited or [...]
By: MICHAEL CEFALI | August 29, 2025 | Car Accident
When a car accident happens, one of the first questions is who caused it. Knowing who is responsible is not only about pointing fingers. It decides who pays for medical bills, vehicle damage, and other costs. Fault also affects whether you can file an insurance claim and how much money you may recover. Cefali & [...]
If you were hurt in a crash, you may wonder what type of lawyer you need. In most cases, you should look for an experienced car accident lawyer or a personal injury lawyer who handles motor vehicle collisions. Choosing the right legal help matters. At Cefali & Cefali Personal Injury Lawyers, we help accident [...]
Being in a car accident is always stressful. But finding out that the crash was your fault can make things even harder. You might feel scared about what comes next, especially when it comes to paying for damage, dealing with your insurance company, or handling legal risks. Knowing what to expect can help protect your [...]
Getting into a car accident is scary and confusing. One moment you're driving like normal, and the next, everything changes. You may be hurt, your car might be damaged, and you probably feel overwhelmed. It’s easy to make a mistake in these moments, but what you do right after the accident matters a lot, especially [...]
