By Ben Marmont
California roads changed forever on January 1, 2026. You might have noticed more cameras at intersections. You might have seen drivers slowing down for every stalled car on the shoulder. These aren't just random trends. These are major shifts in California law designed to protect you.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we see the aftermath of road negligence every day. We see families torn apart by preventable crashes. These new laws aim to stop the carnage. But laws only work if people follow them. When they don't, you need a personal injury lawyer california residents trust to fight back.
We represent victims across all 58 counties. We know the pain of a sudden accident. Your life turns upside down in seconds. We are here to flip it back. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 safety overhaul and how it affects your rights.
The Biggest Change: The Expanded "Move Over" Law (AB 390)
For years, you only had to move over for emergency vehicles. Think police cars, ambulances, and tow trucks. That changed this year. Under AB 390, you must now slow down or change lanes for any vehicle with hazard lights flashing.
This law protects everyone. It protects the parent changing a tire. It protects the delivery driver checking a map. Most importantly, it protects you if your car breaks down. If a driver hits you because they didn't "move over," they are breaking the law.
We hold these negligent drivers accountable. We prove they ignored the law. Our team gathers the evidence to show they failed to protect you. If you were hit on the shoulder, you need a car accident lawyer near me who understands these new statutes.
School Zones Are Getting Safer (AB 382)
Nothing is more devastating than a pedestrian accident involving a child. California is finally taking drastic steps to stop this. AB 382 gives local cities the power to drop school zone speed limits to 20 mph. By 2031, this will be the mandatory limit statewide.
Speed is the number one factor in whether a pedestrian survives a hit. A car going 25 mph is much deadlier than one going 20 mph. These lower limits save lives. If a driver speeds through a school zone and causes harm, we make them pay.
We treat every case with the compassion it deserves. We know the trauma of these accidents. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions for victims. We don't back down from insurance companies who try to blame the victim.
The Crackdown on Hidden License Plates (AB 1085)
Hit-and-run accidents are a plague in California. Often, victims can't identify the car because of tinted or reflective license plate covers. AB 1085 ends this. It is now strictly illegal to have any cover that obscures a plate.
Fines for this violation can reach $1,000. Why does this matter to you? It makes it easier to catch the person who hit you. If a camera or a witness catches even a partial plate, we can track them down.
When we find the person responsible, we fight for your maximum compensation. We don't just settle for the first offer. We push until we get what you deserve.
Automated Enforcement: More Eyes on the Road (SB 720)
You will see more speed and red-light cameras this year. SB 720 expanded their use in high-collision areas and school zones. While some people hate these cameras, they provide vital evidence for your case.
Video footage doesn't lie. It shows exactly who ran the light. It shows exactly how fast they were going. We use this data to build an airtight case for you. If you’ve been injured, having a pedestrian accident attorney near me who knows how to subpoena this footage is critical.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Near Me Right Now
The laws are getting stricter, but the roads are still dangerous. Insurance companies are still looking for ways to deny your claim. They want to pay you the smallest amount possible. We don't let that happen.
We offer a Zero Fee Until We Win guarantee. You pay nothing out of pocket. We take on all the risk because we believe in your case. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
If you are involved in a collision, your actions in the first few minutes are vital. Follow this checklist to protect your physical health and your legal rights:
[ ] Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
[ ] Move to safety. If possible, get off the road to avoid secondary crashes.
[ ] Document the hazard lights. If the other driver didn't move over, take a photo of your own hazards being on.
[ ] Gather witness info. Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
[ ] Take photos of everything. This includes license plates, road signs, and your injuries.
[ ] Never admit fault. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you later.
[ ] Call Fairmont Law Firm. Let us handle the insurance adjusters while you heal.
How We Fight for Your Recovery
We don't just fill out forms. We investigate. We hire accident reconstruction experts. We consult with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries. We look at your long-term needs, not just your current bills.
You might be facing:
- Mounting medical expenses.
- Lost wages from missing work.
- Physical therapy and future care.
- Pain and suffering.
We demand compensation for all of it. Our team is led by Josh Yaghoubzadeh, a CEO who demands excellence for every client.
(Josh Yaghoubzadeh and his colleague reviewing a client's case in the Fairmont Law Firm office.)
Navigating Your Legal Options
When you contact us, we help you understand the best path forward. Every accident is different. You have choices in how you pursue justice.
Option 1: Direct Insurance Negotiation
We handle all communication with the insurance companies. We present the evidence and demand a fair settlement. This is often the fastest way to get money in your pocket.
Option 2: Litigation and Trial
If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we take them to court. We are trial lawyers. We are not afraid of a fight. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial.
Step-by-Step: The Fairmont Law Firm Process
We make the legal process simple for you. You have enough to worry about. Let us carry the legal burden.
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation
Call us or visit https://www.fairmontlawfirm.com for a free consultation. We listen to your story and tell you exactly where you stand.
Step 2: Immediate Investigation
Once you hire us, we go to work. We secure camera footage, police reports, and witness statements before they disappear.
Step 3: Treatment and Documentation
We help ensure you are seeing the right doctors. Your health is the priority. We document every step of your recovery.
Step 4: Demand and Negotiation
We send a powerful demand letter to the responsible parties. We show them we have the evidence to win.
Step 5: Recovery
We secure your check. Our "Zero Fee" promise means we only get paid if you do.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Road Laws
Q: Do these new laws apply if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. California follows "comparative negligence." Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. We fight to minimize your percentage of fault to maximize your payout.
Q: What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
A: We look for other sources of recovery. This might include your own "uninsured motorist" coverage or going after the driver's personal assets. We explore every avenue.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in California?
A: Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government vehicle is involved, that timeline is much shorter (often 6 months). You must act fast.
Q: Does it cost anything to talk to a lawyer?
A: Not at Fairmont Law Firm. Our evaluations are 100% free. You can call us at 2:00 AM on a Sunday, and we will be there for you.
Your Protector in a Dangerous World
The roads in 2026 are changing, but the risks remain. Drivers are distracted. People are in a rush. When their negligence causes you pain, you deserve a protector.
We provide California-wide coverage. Whether you are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or a rural county, we are your local experts. We know the courts, the judges, and the tactics insurance companies use in your specific area.
Don't wait for the insurance company to "do the right thing." They won't. They are a business focused on profit. We are a firm focused on you.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm Today
Your path to justice starts with a single phone call.
- Zero Fee Until We Win
- Free Case Evaluation
- 24/7 Availability
- Decades of Experience
Turn your life back right-side up. Contact Fairmont Law Firm now. We are ready to fight for you.