No, Los Angeles is not a personal injury protection (PIP) or “no-fault” state. California follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering injuries and property damage. This system affects how you file a claim, what insurance applies, and what compensation you’re entitled to after an accident in Los Angeles.
Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of car insurance that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and certain household services regardless of fault. It’s required in no-fault states, where drivers turn to their own insurance even if the other party is at fault.
States with PIP laws often restrict lawsuits for minor injuries, meaning you can’t sue unless you meet a state-specific “serious injury” threshold.
Is California a PIP State?
No, California, including Los Angeles, is not a PIP or no-fault state. Instead, it uses a fault-based (tort) system, where the person responsible for the accident is liable for any resulting damages.
If you’re hurt in a car accident in Los Angeles, you typically pursue compensation through a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance provider or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Local Insight: Insurance claims in Los Angeles often involve reports from the LAPD or California Highway Patrol. If the case escalates, lawsuits are usually filed through the Los Angeles Superior Court, which handles a large volume of civil personal injury claims each year.
Key Insurance Coverage Options in California
Although California drivers can’t purchase PIP coverage, they can still secure other insurance types for post-accident expenses:
1. Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
Med Pay is optional but valuable. It pays for medical expenses no matter who caused the accident and can be used by pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicle passengers.
What Med Pay covers:
- Hospital and ER bills
- Ambulance fees
- Funeral expenses
- Injuries while walking or biking
What Med Pay doesn’t cover:
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Replacement of household services
🆚 Med Pay vs PIP at a glance:
| Feature | Med Pay (CA) | PIP (No-Fault States) |
| Covers lost wages? | No | Yes |
| Covers household help? | No | Yes |
| Required by law? | No | Often |
| Suing at-fault driver? | Yes (no limits) | Often restricted |
2. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
This mandatory coverage pays for injuries you cause to others:
- $15,000 minimum for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 minimum per accident (two or more people)
Many Los Angeles residents choose higher limits to ensure they’re protected in serious crashes.
What Happens After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?
If you’re injured in a collision in LA, here’s what typically happens:
- Determine fault – Police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements help establish liability
- File a third-party claim – Submit your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Negotiate or sue – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your attorney can file a lawsuit
📍 Example: Suppose you’re rear-ended on Interstate 10 near USC by a texting driver. If you’re injured, you’d gather the police report, get treatment at Cedars-Sinai, and your attorney might negotiate with the driver’s insurance or escalate to court.
📍 Tip: Always document everything. Even accidents on local streets like Venice Blvd or Sunset Blvd often involve disputed liability.
Pros and Cons of California’s At-Fault System
✅ Pros:
- Full compensation. You can recover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more
- No PIP premiums. You only pay for what you need
❌ Cons:
- Delayed payouts. Determining fault can take time
- Higher legal friction. Liability disputes are common in multi-vehicle collisions
Comparative Fault in California
California uses a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you’re partly responsible, you can still receive compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you’re found 20 percent at fault in a $100,000 accident, you could still receive $80,000.
This applies to all injury claims filed in Los Angeles County.
Do You Need a Lawyer After an Accident in Los Angeles?
Yes.Working with a trusted Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you:
- Investigate and gather evidence
- Prove fault with insurance adjusters
- Avoid missing deadlines (CA’s statute of limitations is 2 years)
- Maximize your settlement
🚨 Many victims in LA who go without legal counsel end up settling too low or missing out on damages they didn’t realize they could claim.
Need help? Contact our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
Why You Should Contact GoSuits After a Crash in Los Angeles?
Understanding how California’s fault-based insurance system works is just the beginning. If you’ve been injured in a Los Angeles accident, your next step is critical. GoSuits helps clients like you navigate the legal process, prove fault, and pursue full compensation without the stress of upfront legal fees.
We know the streets of Los Angeles, the local insurance practices, and the Superior Court system. From freeway pileups to neighborhood collisions on Sunset Blvd or Wilshire, our team is ready to protect your rights and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Injured in LA? Contact GoSuits today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted personal injury lawyer. Get answers, protect your claim, and start your recovery with confidence.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Accident?
You may be eligible to recover:
- Medical bills (including hospital stays, surgery, rehab)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Property damage (vehicles, gear, phones)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Punitive damages in severe negligence cases
