US-CaliforniaCan I use small claims court for a car accident claim?
Yes, you can use California small claims court for a car accident claim if your damages are $12,500 or less (or $6,250 if you're a corporation or LLC).
What the Law Says
California law allows car accident victims to file property damage and personal injury claims in small claims court — but only within strict monetary limits and procedural rules.
Small claims court in California is designed for fast, low-cost resolution of civil disputes. It’s commonly used for car accident claims involving vehicle repairs, rental car costs, or minor injuries — as long as the total amount sought does not exceed the statutory limit.
The limit depends on who is filing: individuals and sole proprietors may sue for up to $12,500 per claim, while corporations, LLCs, and other entities are capped at $6,250. You may file only one claim over $2,500 in a calendar year.
You cannot be represented by a lawyer in small claims court — you must appear and present your own case. However, you may consult an attorney before filing, and minors may be represented by a parent or guardian.
Statutory TextThe jurisdiction of a small claims court is limited to civil actions for the recovery of money damages not exceeding twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500) for individuals and six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($6,250) for corporations and other entities.
— Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.221 — Jurisdiction
Statutory TextA person may not file more than two claims exceeding four thousand dollars ($4,000) in any calendar year in small claims court, and only one claim exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
— Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.222 — Limitations on number of claims
What to Do
Calculate your total damages (repairs, towing, rental car, medical bills, lost wages) — ensure they’re ≤$12,500 (or ≤$6,250 if filing as a business).
Gather evidence: photos of damage, police report, repair estimates, receipts, witness statements, and documentation of injuries or losses.
File Form SC-100 (Claim Form) with your local small claims court — filing fee is $30–$75 depending on claim amount.
Serve the defendant properly (usually by certified mail or personal delivery) and file proof of service (Form SC-200).
Prepare for your hearing: organize evidence, practice explaining what happened clearly and factually, and bring originals plus copies for the judge and defendant.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.