Tustin Car Accident Lawyer: Help After a Crash in Tustin and Orange County

Our office is on Irvine Boulevard in Tustin. When people here are hurt in a crash on Red Hill Avenue, Newport Avenue, Tustin Ranch Road, Jamboree Road, the 55, or the 5, they can sit down with a lawyer a few minutes from where it happened.

In plain terms: A car accident claim is a request for payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer, and sometimes from other parties, for medical bills, lost earnings, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. In California, most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, and claims against a public entity such as the City of Tustin, OCTA, or Caltrans usually must be presented within six months.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Win Attorneys represents people hurt in motor vehicle accidents throughout Orange County and statewide. Our office is fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Talk to us at (562) 296-5380 or reach out through our contact page for a free case review. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Tustin

Stop and help. California Vehicle Code section 20001 requires drivers in an injury crash to stop, give their information, and help the injured.
Call 911. Crashes on city streets are usually handled by the Tustin Police Department. Freeway crashes on the 5 and the 55 are usually handled by the California Highway Patrol.
Get medical care. Some injuries, including concussions, show up later. See delayed TBI symptoms after a crash.
Document everything. Photograph vehicles, the scene, signals, and injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Report to the DMV. Under Vehicle Code section 16000, a driver generally must report a crash to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was hurt or killed or property damage was over $1,000.
Be careful with insurers. You do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.

For a longer checklist, read what to do after a car accident in California.

Who Can Be Responsible

The other driver for speeding, distraction, running a red light, or an unsafe left turn.
An employer when the driver was working, such as a delivery or service driver. See rideshare and delivery accidents.
A vehicle owner who let someone drive, within limits set by California law.
A public entity when a dangerous road, a broken signal, or a government vehicle played a part. See our California government and Caltrans claims guide.
Your own policy when the other driver had no insurance or fled. See uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.

California uses comparative fault. If you were partly at fault, you can still recover, but your damages are reduced by your share.

Damages in a California Car Accident Claim

Medical bills, now and in the future.
Lost wages and loss of earning ability.
Vehicle repair or replacement and loss of use.
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
For families after a death, wrongful death damages. See wrongful death and catastrophic injury.

Your own Med-Pay coverage can help with early medical bills no matter who was at fault.

Deadlines That Apply in Tustin

Two years for most injury lawsuits against a private driver, under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
Three years for most property damage lawsuits, under Code of Civil Procedure section 338.
Six months to present a claim to a public entity for injury or vehicle damage, under Government Code section 911.2.
Two years to act on an uninsured motorist claim, under Insurance Code section 11580.2(i).

Lawsuits from Tustin crashes are usually filed in Orange County Superior Court.

Other Crashes We Handle Around Tustin

Motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian, e-bike, and scooter accidents, including our guide to Orange County pedestrian crash claims
E-bike accidents
OCTA bus accidents
Hit-and-run accidents

We also help renters and homeowners hurt when a car crashes into a home in Orange County.

See all of our Tustin personal injury services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tustin?

Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a public entity such as the City of Tustin, OCTA, or Caltrans may be responsible, a claim usually must be presented within six months.

Do I need a police report?

A report helps prove what happened and is required for an uninsured motorist claim after a hit-and-run. Call the Tustin Police Department or the CHP from the scene if you can.

What if I was partly at fault?

California’s comparative fault rule lets you recover even if you share fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries. Notify your insurer promptly.

How much does a Tustin car accident lawyer cost?

The case review is free. We explain our fee terms before you decide to hire us.

Can I meet with a lawyer in Spanish?

Yes. Our office is fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Talk to us at (562) 296-5380 or reach out through our contact page. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.