California's vehicle and traffic laws are intricate and can significantly influence the outcomes of accident claims. Whether you are a motorist, cyclist, pedestrian, or rideshare passenger, understanding these laws is crucial when navigating the aftermath of a traffic accident in the Golden State.

California is known for its "pure comparative negligence" system. This legal framework allows an injured party to recover damages even if they are partly at fault, although their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if you are deemed 20% at fault in an accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

For car accidents, California follows an at-fault system where the negligent driver’s insurance bears the cost of damages and injuries. All drivers must have liability insurance with minimum coverage limits, but if these limits are insufficient to cover the damages, victims may need to pursue further legal action.

Motorcyclists in California face unique challenges and biases in accident claims, particularly with the legal allowance of lane splitting. Although this practice can complicate liability issues in accidents, the state’s comparative negligence rule still applies, offering some protection to riders.

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable but have strong legal protections under California law. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in most situations, and a minimum of three feet must be maintained when passing bicycles. If an accident occurs, the involved parties’ actions, including possible negligence, are closely scrutinized to determine fault.

Complexities increase with accidents involving trucks or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, where multiple parties could be liable. Truck accidents may implicate not just the driver but also the trucking company, manufacturers, and cargo loaders. Rideshare accidents' liability depends heavily on the driver’s status within the app at the time of the accident.

California also has stringent laws against DUI, with possibilities for both criminal charges and civil lawsuits against the driver. The state allows for punitive damages in such cases to punish egregious behavior and deter future violations.

Hit-and-run victims might rely on their Uninsured Motorist coverage or seek help from the California Victim Compensation Board if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Public transportation accidents involve suing government entities, which requires filing a claim within a stringent six-month window.

The rise of cell phone use has led to strict distracted driving laws. As of 2025, drivers cannot hold or operate a phone for any reason other than through a single swipe or voice command if the phone is mounted properly. Breaches of this law not only result in fines but can significantly impact negligence claims in accidents.

Finally, the recent case of *People v. Porter* has clarified the term "operating" within the context of these laws, underscoring that any use of a handheld phone that affects driving can constitute a violation.

Navigating California’s traffic laws can be daunting. Those involved in traffic accidents are encouraged to seek legal counsel to navigate the legal intricacies effectively and ensure their rights and potential compensations are fully protected.