Summary
No matter your immigration status, you have legal rights if you’ve been hurt in an accident. California law protects you from discrimination and allows you to seek compensation without fear.
Natatakot ka bang maghabol ng kaso dahil sa immigration status mo? You’re not alone. Many Filipinos and other immigrants in California worry that seeking help after a car accident, slip and fall, or motorcycle crash might attract attention from ICE or affect their legal standing.
But here’s the truth: Your immigration status does not limit your right to justice under California personal injury law. If you’ve been injured, you deserve medical care, peace of mind, and fair compensation.
At our personal injury law firm, we’ve helped countless injured accident victims get the help they need without ever asking about or sharing their immigration information. Let’s walk you through how California law has your back—and how we can help, every step of the way.
California Law Protects All Accident Victims—Regardless of Immigration Status
California lawmakers have made it clear that everyone has rights, regardless of their legal status. Here is the key law that protects you:
California Evidence Code §351.2
This law bars the use of immigration status as evidence in personal injury cases. That means if you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit, neither the other side nor their insurance company can use your immigration status to argue that you deserve less compensation.
The law states: “In a civil action for personal injury or wrongful death, evidence of a person’s immigration status shall not be admitted into evidence, nor shall discovery into a person’s immigration status be permitted.”
This ensures undocumented individuals can file personal injury claims without fear. Whether you’ve suffered brain injuries, broken bones, or are facing high medical bills, you’re protected by law.
Additional Legal Protection
California Civil Code §3339 provides broader protections by declaring that a person’s immigration status is irrelevant to the issue of liability for purposes of enforcing state labor, employment, civil rights, consumer protection, and housing laws.
While this law primarily covers workplace and housing matters, it demonstrates California’s commitment to protecting all residents regardless of immigration status.
What Types of Accidents Are Covered?
You’re likely eligible for compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. Some examples include:
- Auto accidents (including truck accidents and rideshares)
- Slip and falls
- Bicycle accidents
- Product liability
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Work-related injuries
Our California personal injury lawyers can help determine whether your personal injury claim qualifies under state law.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages when filing a claim.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Type of Compensation | Examples |
Medical Expenses | Hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and medication |
Lost Wages | Missed work due to injury |
Pain and Suffering | Emotional trauma, physical discomfort |
Punitive Damages | Additional punishment for gross negligence |
Even if you don’t have health insurance or immigration papers, you can still get medical treatment through medical liens, which we can help arrange.
Why We NEVER Ask About Immigration Status
We understand the fear. We’ve heard the stories—ICE raids, discrimination, and exploitation. That’s why it’s essential to know that when you speak with a lawyer, what you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.
This legal protection ensures that everything you share with us remains strictly confidential—even your immigration status, if you choose to disclose it. No one can access that information, not insurance companies, government agencies, or immigration authorities.
When you contact our team, you’ll speak with trusted professionals — many of whom are Filipino — who understand your culture, fears, and rights. You can talk freely, knowing your privacy is protected by law.
How Our Filipino Team Can Help
We offer a client-focused approach that makes the legal process simple and safe:
- We speak your language
- We explain every step clearly
- We guide you through gathering medical records and filing your claim
- We protect you from insurance providers trying to undervalue your case
- We fight for maximum compensation on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win
What to Do If You’re Injured—Even If You’re Undocumented
If you’ve been hurt, follow these steps:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Document everything (photos, names of witnesses, police report)
- Avoid talking to insurance companies alone
- Call a California personal injury lawyer ASAP
- Don’t panic about immigration status—just focus on recovery
Waiting too long may impact your case. California has a statute of limitations, meaning you only have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit.
FAQs
Can I still file a claim if I’m undocumented?
Yes. Under California Evidence Code §351.2, your immigration status cannot be used as evidence against you in personal injury cases.
Will I get reported to immigration if I file a claim?
No. We never ask about or report your immigration status. California law specifically prohibits using immigration status against you in personal injury court proceedings.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in California is two years from the date of injury.
We’ll Protect Your Rights and Fight for Full Compensation
No matter your background or immigration status, you are protected by law. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve legal representation that respects you and fights for every dollar you’re owed.
We’ve helped countless Fil-Am clients across Los Angeles and beyond recover from serious personal injury cases—and we’re ready to help you too.
