Hillstone Law – Trusted Legal Guidance for the Injured

If you’ve been injured in an accident, understanding the laws that apply to your situation can make a big difference. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or a serious injury caused by someone else’s negligence, California law outlines your rights, timelines, and potential compensation.

At Hillstone Law, we believe that knowledge is power. That’s why we’ve broken down some of the key legal codes that apply to common personal injury cases across California. You don’t need to be a lawyer to understand the basics, this page is here to help you feel informed and empowered as you take your next steps.

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Key California Laws by Injury Type:

1. Auto Accidents

• Vehicle Code § 17150 – Owner liability for negligent operation
• § 20001-20002 – Hit and run laws
• § 23152-23153 – Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Civil Code § 3333 – Measuring damages for personal injury

2. Aviation Accidents

• FARs – Title 14 CFR – Federal safety rules
• Public Utilities Code § 21401-21407 – State regulation of air transport
• Civil Code § 2100-2110 – Carrier responsibility for passenger safety

3. Bicycle Accidents

• Vehicle Code § 21200-21212 – Rules for bicyclists
• § 21201 – Required bicycle equipment
• § 21760 – Safe passing laws

4. Truck Accidents (Big Rig)

• Vehicle Code § 34500-34520 – Safety regulations for carriers
• CCR Title 13 – Commercial trucking rules
• Civil Code § 3281 – Right to recover for harm

5. Boating Accidents

• Harbors & Navigation Code § 655-668.5 – Boating liability and negligence
• Federal Maritime Law – May apply on navigable waters

6. Brain Injuries

• Civil Code § 3333.2 – MICRA limits for medical malpractice
• Gov. Code § 815.2 – Public entity liability

7. Burn Injuries

• Health & Safety Code § 13105 – Fire safety codes
• Civil Code § 1714 – Negligence
• Gov. Code § 835 – Unsafe public property

8. Bus Accidents

• Public Utilities Code § 99000 et seq. – Transit safety laws
• Civil Code § 2100-2104 – Common carrier responsibility
• Gov. Code § 911.2 – Filing claims against public agencies

9. Catastrophic Injuries

• Civil Code § 3333 – Full compensation
• Gov. Code § 945.6 – Filing deadlines
• Civil Code § 3294 – Punitive damages

10. Dog Bite Injuries

• Civil Code § 3342 – Strict owner liability
• Penal Code § 399 – Criminal negligence

11. Drunk Driving Accidents

• Vehicle Code § 23152-23153 – DUI laws
• Civil Code § 3333.4 – Limits for uninsured drunk drivers
• B&P Code § 25602 – Limited dram shop liability

12. Motorcycle Accidents

• Vehicle Code § 27800-27803 – Helmet laws
• § 21760 – Passing and overtaking
• Civil Code § 1714 – Negligence

13. Pedestrian Accidents

• Vehicle Code § 21950-21954 – Crosswalk and pedestrian rules
• Civil Code § 3333 – Damages

14. Premises Liability

• Civil Code § 1714(a) – Property owner negligence
• Gov. Code § 835 – Unsafe public property
• Health & Safety Code § 17920.3 – Substandard conditions

15. Real Estate Fraud (Injury by Deceit)

• Civil Code § 1709-1710 – Fraud and misrepresentation
• B&P Code § 17200 – Unfair business practices
• Penal Code § 115 – False filings

16. Train & Metrolink Accidents

• Public Utilities Code § 7655 – Railroad safety
• Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA) – Federal regulation
• Civil Code § 2100-2102 – Carrier liability

17. Slip and Fall / Trip and Fall

• Civil Code § 1714 – Property owner’s duty
• Gov. Code § 835 – Public property hazard
• Evidence Code § 669 – Presumed negligence

18. Uber & Lyft Accidents

• Public Utilities Code § 5430-5445 – TNC rules
• Vehicle Code § 5430 – Insurance requirements
• Civil Code § 2100 – Duty of care for transport companies

19. Wrongful Death

• Code of Civ. Proc. § 377.60-377.62 – Who can sue and recover
• Civil Code § 3333 – Damages
• Probate Code § 6402 – Who inherits

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General Personal Injury Laws That Apply to Most Cases

• Civil Code § 3281-3333.4 – Torts and damages
• Gov. Code § 810-996.6 – Claims against public agencies
• Code of Civ. Proc. § 335.1 – 2-year statute of limitations
• Evidence Code § 669 – Statutory negligence

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Your Rights Matter. Knowledge Helps.

Understanding how California law works gives you a better idea of what to expect but you don’t have to do it alone. At Hillstone Law, we fight to make sure injury victims have real support, real answers, and real results.

Let’s take the next step together. Call us at (855) 691-1691 for a free consultation with a trusted California personal injury attorney. Your future deserves more than guesswork. It deserves experienced legal protection.