About Personal Injury Lawsuits | Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Personal injury incidents can turn into life-altering events—and understanding the legal landscape is crucial when seeking compensation for your damages. In the state of California, specific laws govern personal injury cases, and time is of the essence. Take a look at the top questions about personal injury laws in California, the statutes of limitations, and why you may need to hire an attorney.

What Are the California Personal Injury Laws?

Negligence and liability are central to understanding California's personal injury laws. The state of California follows a negligence-based system, meaning that those responsible for causing injuries due to their negligent actions can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. This includes situations such as car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and more.

California also operates under a comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the incident, you could receive compensation at a reduced rate.

Some cases, such as those involving defective products or certain dog bites, are often subject to strict liability. In these instances, proving negligence may not be necessary, making it easier for the injured party to seek compensation.

What Are the Statutes of Limitations in California?

The statute of limitations is a major issue when it comes to personal injury lawsuits. This is the time limit you have to file a legal action. In California the statues of limitation include:

Personal injury. In most cases you will have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state of California.
Property damage. If the injury also caused damage to your property, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit for the property damage.
Government claims. If your lawsuit is against a government entity, you have six months from the injury date to submit your claim. The state also has a deadline to file a lawsuit if the claim is denied.

Statutes of limitations are laws and are not subject to negotiation. If you miss a state-required deadline to file a claim or bring a legal action, you may have lost your chance for compensation.

What Is the Importance of Swift Legal Action?

There are several reasons to take swift legal action after a personal injury incident. The statutes of limitations for these types of cases make it necessary to start the legal process as soon as possible. Again, failure to meet the timelines the state provides means you could forfeit your rights.

Time is also crucial when it comes to preserving evidence. Witnesses may forget details, and important documents may go missing. Prompt action ensures that your legal team can gather and present the strongest case possible.

Why Should You Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?

Personal injury cases involve intricate legal procedures. From filing the initial paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, having a lawyer by your side can streamline the process and increase your chances of success.

Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly and for the least amount possible. Legal representation can help to protect your rights and may increase the likelihood that you will receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Navigating personal injury laws in California requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework and a proactive approach. The statutes of limitations underscore the importance of swift legal action.

Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible not only ensures that you meet filing deadlines but also provides you with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of personal injury cases. By acting promptly, you empower yourself to seek the compensation you deserve and move forward on the path to recovery.

Do you have a personal injury? Do you need legal representation right now? Contact Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for more information.

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Our legal team understands that life can be very stressful after an accident of any type. The financial costs of your accident can add to that stress. When you are asking for help, this should make your life easier – not more difficult. That is why you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees and expenses when you hire Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to handle your California personal injury case.

At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, Frank Penney and his staff work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay a fee if you win your case. We will never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. No win. No fee. Case closed.

This means there is no risk in asking Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for help. You get to benefit from Frank Penney’s years of experience, knowledge, and success without needing to stress about the cost. Call today to set up a free initial case assessment or to learn more.

When I first contacted the Law Offices of Frank D. Penney after my accident, I was frustrated with car insurance companies, and medical insurance companies; after all, I was in pain. He and his staff put me at ease instantly! It was such a relief to have someone working on MY BEHALF! They were able to settle my case for more than I initially thought it was worth. THANKS AGAIN!!!

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Our Recent Blog Posts

Temecula California Freeway Crash Leaves Four Dead, Two Injured

By Frank Penney • August 28, 2025

A devastating crash on the 15 Freeway in Temecula late Saturday night left four people dead and two others injured after a BMW M4, allegedly driven recklessly, lost control and caused a head-on collision. The California Highway Patrol reported the crash around 9:33 p.m. when the BMW, traveling north of Winchester Road, swerved left, struck a concrete median, and flew into the southbound lanes. The car veered into the far-right lane and collided head-on with a white Nissan Sentra. The BMW burst into flames moments after impact. Good Samaritans were able to pull the BMW’s driver, a 25-year-old man from Moreno Valley, from the burning vehicle. He suffered major injuries and was rushed to a hospital. Tragically, his passengers did not survive. A 23-year-old woman in the front seat and two Moreno Valley teenagers, a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl in the back, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Nissan’s driver, a 35-year-old man from Wildomar, was taken to a hospital but did not survive the trip. His passenger, a 22-year-old man, remains in critical condition. Authorities said that alcohol does not appear to have been a factor, but charges against the BMW driver are pending as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding what they describe as reckless driving. As of Sunday afternoon, none of the victims had been publicly identified. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

Motorcyclist from Dixon Killed in Big Rig Crash on I-80 in Davis, California

By Frank Penney • August 27, 2025

A tragic crash on Interstate 80 in Davis claimed the life of 42-year-old Christopher Barr of Dixon early Tuesday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened just before 4:45 a.m. in a construction zone on the eastbound side of the freeway, just west of Mace Boulevard. CHP reported that a Volvo tractor with trailers was traveling in the middle lane when, for reasons still unknown, Barr’s Harley Davidson motorcycle failed to slow down and struck the back of the truck. The impact threw him from the motorcycle, and he was fatally struck by another vehicle that has not yet been identified. Authorities have said that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash. The collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol as they work to determine what led to the fatal chain of events. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Elk Grove, California Leaves 21-Year-Old Rider Dead

By Frank Penney • August 27, 2025

A tragic accident in Elk Grove early Friday morning claimed the life of a 21-year-old motorcyclist. According to the Elk Grove Police Department, the crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Elk Grove Florin Road just north of Campbell Road. Investigators reported that the driver of a pickup truck towing a trailer was attempting a U-turn into the southbound lane when the motorcycle collided with the truck’s side. The impact threw the rider from the motorcycle, and despite the quick response of medical personnel, the young motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the rider’s name, awaiting notification of next of kin by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. The roadway remained closed throughout the morning as police investigated the crash, reopening to traffic around noon. The Elk Grove Police Department continues to look into the circumstances surrounding the collision and is asking anyone with information to contact their traffic bureau at 916-478-8143. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

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If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!