California’s personal injury laws are designed to protect accident victims, but they change regularly to address new challenges. In 2025, several important reforms took effect that reshape how car accident claims, insurance disputes, and injury lawsuits are handled. For victims in Los Angeles and throughout the state, understanding California personal injury law updates 2025 is essential for securing fair compensation.

1. Faster Insurance Policy Disclosures (AB 1234)

One of the most impactful changes requires insurance companies to disclose liability policy limits within 20 days of a written request. Previously, insurers often delayed or withheld this information, leaving victims uncertain about potential compensation. With this law in place:

• Victims and attorneys can quickly assess whether settlements are possible.
• Insurers face penalties if they fail to disclose policy limits promptly.
• Accident claims can move forward without unnecessary delays.

For car accident victims in Los Angeles, this means faster answers and less time wasted on stalling tactics by insurance companies.

2. Extended Deadlines for Minors (SB 980)

Another major update extends the statute of limitations for minors. Previously, children injured in accidents had until age 18 to file personal injury claims. Under the new law, victims now have until age 20. This change allows families more time to evaluate long-term injuries and file appropriate claims. For example:

• A 16-year-old injured in a car crash now has four years to file, instead of just two.
• Families can better assess lasting medical needs before pursuing damages.

This law ensures young accident victims are not rushed into settlements before the full impact of their injuries is known.

3. Stronger Animal Attack and Dog Bite Reporting (AB 843)

California already holds pet owners strictly liable for dog bites, but new reporting standards make it easier for victims to prove their cases. In 2025:

• Animal control agencies must share bite history records more quickly.
• Victims gain access to prior incidents involving the same animal.
• Repeat-offender pet owners can be held accountable faster.

This update protects both children and adults, especially in urban areas where pet ownership is high.

4. Expanded Liability for E-Scooter and Micromobility Accidents

Los Angeles streets have seen a surge in scooters and e-bikes. Unfortunately, crashes involving these devices have also risen. In 2025, new laws clarify liability in micromobility accidents. Victims can now pursue claims against:

• Negligent drivers who hit scooter or bike users.
• Scooter companies that fail to maintain safe equipment.
• Municipalities responsible for hazardous road conditions.

This update reflects modern transportation trends and ensures victims have avenues for recovery.

Why These Updates Matter for Accident Victims

Together, these changes improve the legal process for accident victims by:

• Reducing delays caused by insurance companies.
• Expanding access to justice for minors.
• Strengthening protections in dog bite and animal attack cases.
• Addressing new accident types involving scooters and micromobility devices.

For car accident victims, these reforms provide stronger legal tools to challenge insurers and negligent parties.

How Attorneys Use the 2025 Updates Strategically

Personal injury attorneys are already leveraging the new laws in cases across California. Common strategies include:

• Filing policy limit requests immediately to speed up settlement talks.
• Advising families with injured minors to delay claims until long-term effects are clear.
• Using dog bite reports to establish owner negligence quickly.
• Filing combined claims in micromobility accidents involving multiple responsible parties.

These approaches maximize compensation and prevent insurers from exploiting gaps in older laws.

Compensation Victims Can Recover in 2025

Despite the reforms, the types of damages available remain the same. Victims may pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery, plus future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
• Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Wrongful death damages: Funeral costs and loss of support for surviving families.

With the new laws, victims are more likely to recover full compensation without unnecessary delays.

Steps Victims Should Take After an Accident in 2025

If you are injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, here’s how to protect your claim under the new laws:

• Request insurance policy limits immediately after the crash.
• Keep detailed medical records, photos, and expense receipts.
• Act quickly but know your deadlines, especially if a minor is involved.
• Contact a personal injury attorney familiar with California personal injury law updates 2025.

Following these steps ensures your rights are preserved under the new system.

Conclusion

The California personal injury law updates 2025 provide faster insurance disclosures, extended filing deadlines for minors, stronger animal attack protections, and expanded coverage for scooter accidents. For victims in Los Angeles and across California, these changes make it easier to recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable. With skilled legal representation, you can take full advantage of these reforms and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t face the system alone. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney who understands the 2025 updates and can fight for your rights.