Nothing upfront. Checkmate Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. The fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict — only after you win.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are exceptions that can shorten this window significantly — including accidents involving government vehicles or entities, which may require a claim filing within six months. If you were a minor at the time of the accident, different rules apply. Do not wait to find out which deadline governs your case.

No attorney can ethically guarantee a specific outcome. The value of a car accident claim in California depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, and the degree of the other party’s fault. Cases involving serious or permanent injuries, commercial vehicles, or DUI drivers typically carry higher value. The best way to assess your case is a free consultation.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this standard, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you may still recover $80,000. Insurance companies routinely exaggerate a victim’s share of fault to reduce payouts. Having an attorney levels that playing field.

No. First offers from insurance adjusters typically reflect the minimum the company believes it can settle for — not the actual value of your claim. You have the right to negotiate, and you have the right to hire an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. Accepting a settlement and signing a release permanently closes your claim, even if new injuries or expenses emerge later.

California law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). If the at-fault driver has no insurance — or flees the scene entirely — your own policy may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We review your policy as part of every case evaluation at no cost.

Straightforward cases with clear liability and defined injuries can resolve in three to six months. Cases involving disputed liability, serious injuries, or litigation can take one to two years or longer. We move as quickly as the facts of your case allow — and keep you informed at every stage.

Not always — but it is worth a free consultation before you decide. Minor-seeming accidents frequently produce injuries that surface days later. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot reopen the claim regardless of what develops medically. A 15-minute call costs nothing and can prevent a costly mistake.