Injured by Caltrans? We have recovered millions for our clients.
- Don't Pay Any Fees Unless You Win!
- Over 12+ Years Of Experience
- Millions Recovered For Clients
- Serving All Of California
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$1,625,000
Trip & Fall
$1,610,000
Car Accident
$1,250,000
Bus Accident
$1,000,000
Trip & Fall
California Caltrans Negligence Lawyer
When the California Department of Transportation fails to maintain safe roadways, drivers and pedestrians across the state pay the price. Caltrans can be held liable for crashes caused by dangerous road conditions, defective signage, unsafe work zones, and negligent state vehicles — but only when claims are filed correctly and on time. If you’ve been injured in a wreck and Caltrans negligence may have contributed, contact NOVIK LAW GROUP now. Our California Caltrans claims attorneys have over 12 years of experience holding the state accountable, and we work on contingency — no fees unless we win your case.
How Novik Law Group Can Help You
- Cash Advance On Your Case
- No Upfront Fees Or Retainers
- We Come To You If You Can't Travel
- Recover Your Lost Wages
- Repair Or Replace Your Car
- Get Help With Transportation
or Call (818) 305-6041 now!
Real People. Real Results.
We fight to get the best possible result for you.
$1,625,000
$1,610,000
$1,250,000
$1,225,000
Why You Need an Experienced Caltrans Negligence Attorney
Caltrans claims aren’t ordinary auto accident cases. As a state government agency, Caltrans is shielded by sovereign immunity unless your claim is filed under the strict procedures of the California Government Claims Act. You generally have only six months from the date of injury to file a written claim which is far shorter than the standard two-year personal injury statute. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to recovery. Our team handles Caltrans negligence cases throughout California from the I-5 corridor and the 101 freeway through Los Angeles County to SR-14 and SR-138 in the Antelope Valley, the I-405 through the San Fernando Valley, and state highways across Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
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Compensation Available in a California Caltrans Claim
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to pursue: Medical bills and future treatment costs, Lost income and reduced earning capacity, Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses, Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
The value of a Caltrans claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the strength of evidence proving notice and negligence, and whether multiple parties (such as state contractors, equipment operators, or other drivers) share responsibility. In wrongful death cases involving Caltrans, recoveries can reach into the millions when liability is clear.
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You don’t pay unless we win.
NOVIK LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 401, Encino, CA 91436
Phone: (818) 305-6041
NOVIK LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 523, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (213) 992-9233
NOVIK LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
7700 Irvine Center Dr., Suite 800, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 800-5922
How Caltrans Can Be Held Liable for California Roadway Accidents
Dangerous Road Conditions and Failed Maintenance
Caltrans is responsible for keeping California’s state highways safe — and that obligation includes timely repair of road defects, proper signage, working guardrails, and clear lane markings. When potholes, missing medians, fallen trees, downed power lines, sinkholes, or unmarked hazards cause a crash, Caltrans may be liable if they knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it within a reasonable time. California Highway Patrol typically reports road hazards to Caltrans, creating a paper trail your attorney can use to prove notice. These cases overlap heavily with our work on dangerous roadway claims.
Caltrans Vehicles and State-Hired Contractors
State maintenance trucks, mowers, paving equipment, and contractor vehicles operating on behalf of Caltrans cause crashes too. Heavy loads that aren’t properly secured can spill across multiple lanes — a frequent factor in truck collision claims. Workers and equipment positioned without proper traffic control can force unsafe lane changes. When the at-fault vehicle is operated by a Caltrans employee or a state contractor, Caltrans can be held liable for the negligent actions of the people working under its authority.
Work Zone and Construction Hazards
California’s ongoing construction projects — bridge replacements, lane widening, repaving, and new interchange construction — create significant risk for both drivers and roadside workers. Improperly placed cones, unclear lane shifts, missing flaggers, defective barriers, and inadequate signage all contribute to collisions. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in poorly managed work zones, where loose gravel and uneven pavement can cause catastrophic injuries. If you were injured in a Caltrans-managed work zone, our construction accident attorneys can determine whether the state, the contractor, or both bear responsibility.
How to File a Caltrans Claim in California
Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim against Caltrans isn’t like filing a regular auto accident claim. The process is governed by the California Government Claims Act, and the deadlines are unforgiving:
- Six-month deadline: You generally have six months from the date of injury to file a written claim with the state.
- $10,000 threshold: Claims of $10,000 or less can be filed directly with Caltrans. Claims exceeding $10,000 must be filed through the California Government Claims Program.
- Procedural requirements: Claims must include specific information about the incident, the injuries, and the requested compensation. Procedural mistakes can result in dismissal.
- Response timeline: Caltrans typically has 45 days to act on a claim. If they reject it (or fail to respond), you have six months to file a lawsuit in civil court.
Our office handles Caltrans negligence cases throughout California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, and the Antelope Valley. Although our main office is in Encino, attorney Erick Novik personally handles serious Caltrans cases statewide.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Caltrans Negligence Claims
Learn more by reading some of the most commonly asked questions we receive at our office.
How long do I have to file a Caltrans claim in California?
California gives you only six months from the date of injury to file a government claim against Caltrans — far shorter than the standard two-year personal injury deadline. If your claim is rejected (or Caltrans fails to respond within 45 days), you have six months from that point to file a lawsuit in civil court. Missing the initial six-month government claim deadline can permanently bar your recovery, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
What types of accidents can Caltrans be held responsible for?
Caltrans can be liable for any accident caused by negligent maintenance or operation of state highways. This includes crashes caused by potholes, defective guardrails, missing signage, fallen trees or debris, unmarked construction zones, sinkholes, defective road design, and accidents involving Caltrans vehicles or state contractors. The key legal question is whether Caltrans knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it within a reasonable time.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated. If a jury found you 25% responsible and your damages totaled $100,000, you could still recover $75,000. Don’t assume you can’t file a claim just because you may have made a mistake — investigation often reveals more about Caltrans’s role than was initially obvious.
How much is a Caltrans negligence case worth?
It depends on the severity of injuries, total medical costs, lost income, and the strength of the evidence proving Caltrans’s negligence. California Caltrans cases have produced awards ranging from modest property damage settlements to multimillion-dollar verdicts in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. A free case evaluation will give you a realistic assessment based on your specific facts.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim against Caltrans?
Technically no — claims of $10,000 or less can be filed directly with Caltrans. But government tort claims involve specific procedural requirements that, if missed, can permanently bar your recovery. For any case involving serious injuries or significant damages, having an experienced Caltrans negligence attorney makes the difference between a successful claim and a procedural dismissal. Most personal injury attorneys (including ours) work on contingency, so there’s no upfront cost.
