This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If another driver caused your car accident in Pleasant Hill, California law lets you recover your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering from that driver and their insurer. A Pleasant Hill car accident lawyer can prove who was at fault, deal with the adjusters, and make sure you do not settle for less than your claim is worth.
Cefali & Cefali represents drivers and passengers hurt in crashes throughout Pleasant Hill and Contra Costa County from our office at 2800 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 100. Call (925) 289-7997 for a free consultation. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
The Aftermath of a Car Accident in Pleasant Hill
The days after a crash bring medical appointments, repair estimates, missed work, and calls from insurance adjusters, often while you are still in pain. Injuries range from soft-tissue strains to catastrophic harm. When you hire us, we take over every conversation with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovering.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Pleasant Hill
Your health comes first. See a doctor even if you feel fine, because brain injuries, internal bleeding, and whiplash often show symptoms hours or days later. Seriously injured crash victims in central Contra Costa County are usually taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, the county's trauma center. A prompt medical record also links your injuries to the crash.
Report the Crash
Call 911 so an officer documents the scene. The Pleasant Hill Police Department handles crashes on city streets, and the California Highway Patrol handles crashes on I-680 and SR-24. Ask for the report number. You must also file a DMV SR-1 form within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeded $1,000.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, photograph the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get names and phone numbers from witnesses, and note any businesses nearby that may have security cameras.
Do Not Discuss Fault
Exchange contact and insurance information, but do not apologize or discuss who caused the crash. You do not have to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. Let your lawyer handle questions about fault.
Why Hire a Pleasant Hill Car Accident Lawyer
We Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurers often push for a quick, low settlement before your injuries are fully known. We document your medical costs, lost income, and future care, send a demand backed by evidence, and push back on lowball offers and attempts to shift blame onto you.
Local Knowledge of Pleasant Hill Roads and Courts
Many of the crashes we handle happen on I-680, Contra Costa Boulevard, Taylor Boulevard, Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Road, and near the Treat Boulevard and Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART area, where freeway ramps, shopping center entrances, and heavy commuter traffic meet. If your case goes to court, it is filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, just a few miles from our Pleasant Hill office.
One Team Managing Your Case
We handle evidence collection, medical records, insurance claims, and court filings, and we keep you updated at every stage so you always know where your case stands.
Your Rights and Compensation After a Pleasant Hill Car Accident
Proving Fault and Shared Fault
California is a fault-based state: the driver who caused the crash, and their insurer, pay for the losses. We prove fault with the police report, photos, video, witness statements, and, when needed, accident reconstruction. California also follows pure comparative fault, adopted in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975). Even if you were partly to blame, you can still recover; your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages cover medical bills and future care, lost wages and earning capacity, and vehicle and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, and emotional distress. See how economic and non-economic damages differ. One rule to know: under Proposition 213, a driver who was uninsured at the time of the crash generally cannot recover pain and suffering damages, though medical bills and lost wages are still recoverable.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
California's minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries, which rarely covers a serious injury. If the other driver had no insurance, too little insurance, or fled the scene, your own uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can pay the difference (Insurance Code § 11580.2). See our guide to California hit and run law.
Common Car Accident Cases We Handle in Pleasant Hill
Rear-End and Red-Light Collisions
Rear-end crashes in stop-and-go traffic on I-680 and red-light collisions at busy intersections on Contra Costa Boulevard are among the most common cases we see. They often involve distracted drivers or drivers following too closely (Vehicle Code § 21703). See our guide on rear-end collision fault in California.
Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare insurance changes depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, matched with a rider, or carrying a passenger. During a ride, the company's policy provides much higher limits than a personal policy. See our Pleasant Hill rideshare accident lawyer page.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck crashes on I-680 often cause catastrophic injuries and involve federal safety rules and several responsible companies. We move quickly to preserve driver logs, engine data, and maintenance records. See our Pleasant Hill truck accident lawyer page.
Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Accidents
Riders, cyclists, and people on foot have little protection and often suffer brain and spinal injuries. See our motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accident pages.
Free consultation. We listen to what happened, review your documents, and tell you honestly whether you have a claim.
Investigation. We get the police report, medical records, video, and witness statements, and bring in reconstruction experts when fault is disputed.
Demand and negotiation. We send the insurer a demand backed by evidence and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Lawsuit if needed. If the insurer will not pay fairly, we file in Contra Costa County Superior Court and prepare the case for trial.
We work on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Deadlines for Car Accident Claims in California
You generally have two years from the crash to file an injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1) and three years for vehicle damage only. If a city, county, or state vehicle or a dangerous public road played a part, a government claim must usually be filed within six months (Government Code § 911.2). For an injured child, the two-year deadline is generally paused until age 18, but claims against a public agency have much shorter deadlines, so do not wait.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pleasant Hill Car Accidents
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
You can still recover. Under California's pure comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated.
How do I get my police report in Pleasant Hill?
Request it from the Pleasant Hill Police Department, or from the CHP if the crash happened on I-680 or SR-24. We usually request it for our clients.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your injuries. If the other driver's insurance is too low, underinsured motorist coverage can make up the difference.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?
Generally two years from the crash for injuries and three years for vehicle damage only. Claims against a public agency usually require a government claim within six months.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Cefali & Cefali works on a contingency fee. The consultation is free, there is no upfront cost, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
Talk to a lawyer before signing anything. Early offers are often made before your injuries are fully known, and signing a release ends your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Pleasant Hill Car Accident Lawyer
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
