You can usually still file a car accident claim in California a few months after the crash, as long as you are within the legal deadlines. For most personal injury cases, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, and up to three years for just property damage, although claims involving government vehicles or agencies can have much shorter timelines like six months. The bigger risk with waiting is that insurance companies often want notice within days or weeks, and delays can make proving your injuries and damages harder, so it is a good idea to talk with a local attorney as soon as you can to see what is still possible in your situation.
