California law states that anyone who negligently causes you to suffer in an accident is responsible for your injuries. See Civil Code 1714. In other words, if someone is negligent then they’re responsible.
What are the common types of accidents involving negligence?
Car Accidents
Car accidents are by far the most common type of accident involving negligence. A car accident generally means that someone was negligent. In most cases, drivers are negligent because they failed to follow the California Vehicle Code.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is actually a category of several different types of accidents, including slip-and-fall, defective premises, construction cases, and dog bite cases. The basic theory is that the party who owned or controlled the premises knew that a dangerous condition was on the premises and they failed to protect against it.
Premises Security
These accidents are similar to premises liability accidents. The real focus on these accidents, however, is the foreseeability of the actions of a third party. For example, theses accidents commonly involve security or the lack of security.
Products Liability
These are accidents caused by a product. In California, products liability cases can involve strict liability or negligence.
What you should do after an accident
Of course you should get medical treatment. But don’t forget to take pictures, call the police, and make a report. In other words, do your best to document what happened. Get the names and numbers of witnesses. And don’t speak with any insurance company without first speaking with a personal injury attorney. Certainly don’t give a statement to an insurance company.