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Property damage is not limited to fixing dents and replacing parts. In California, property damage can include the financial impact caused by not having your vehicle available and the loss in value your vehicle suffers after a crash.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do after an accident so you can protect yourself, preserve evidence, and avoid common mistakes that reduce the value of your claim.
One of the most common defenses raised by cities, counties, and public agencies is called the “trivial defect defense.” This legal argument is frequently used to deny responsibility for injuries caused by uneven sidewalks, pavement height differences, cracks, and surface defects.
This article explains California’s personal injury filing deadlines, the most common exceptions, and why waiting too long can seriously hurt your case. At Malk & Pogo, we routinely evaluate cases where timing makes all the difference, and we help injured clients take action before their rights expire.
When someone is injured because of another person’s careless or negligent actions, they typically have the right to file a personal injury claim. However, when the wrongdoer is a government agency, public employee, or public institution, the process is not the same. Many people assume they can simply pursue compensation through a standard lawsuit, but California law imposes special rules and strict deadlines when the government is involved.
One moment, you are driving as you normally do. The next, another driver runs a red light, crashes into your vehicle, and leaves you injured, overwhelmed, and facing medical bills and time away from work. When the accident is clearly not your fault, most people assume that the at-fault driver’s insurance will be responsible for compensating them for their injuries and losses.
Picture this: you’re going about your day when suddenly, your life gets upended. A fender‑bender on the freeway throws glass into your arm. Or maybe a misplaced step on the sidewalk sends you sprawling, causing a deep cut and a permanent reminder across your shin. Or perhaps a neighbor’s dog lunges unexpectedly—leaving you with punctures and jagged marks that won’t fade with time.
You’re driving home from work, stop at a light, and suddenly—without warning—another car hits you from behind. You step out, look at the vehicles, and see only a dented bumper or scratched paint. It feels like a small inconvenience. You might even think, This is just a fender-bender. Do I really need a lawyer for something so minor?
Let’s say you’re involved in a car accident. The other driver was speeding, but you may have made an unsafe lane change. Or maybe you slipped and fell in a store, but weren’t looking where you were going. Does that mean you’re not entitled to compensation? Not in California.
Los Angeles, with its sprawling urban landscape and year-round sunshine, offers an inviting environment for cyclists. From the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail to bustling city streets, biking is both a practical and recreational choice for many Angelenos. However, the city’s infrastructure and traffic conditions often pose significant risks to cyclists.