Rear-Ended in Anaheim, CA? Who Is at Fault and What to Do

By the Sky Law Group Editorial Team · Reviewed by Shakeal Masoud, Esq. (California State Bar No. 246309) · Reviewed November 6, 2026

Short answer: If you were rear-ended in Anaheim, the driver who hit you from behind is often presumed to have been following too close or not paying attention (Veh. Code §21703), but insurers still dispute fault, injuries and medical bills. Get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine, because neck and back symptoms can show up days later. Most California injury claims must be filed within two years (CCP §335.1). Call Sky Law Group at (844) 475-9529 for a free consultation — Hablamos Español.

Where rear-end crashes happen in Anaheim

Anaheim moves a lot of stop-and-go traffic. Rear-end crashes are common on busy surface streets such as Katella Avenue, Harbor Boulevard, Ball Road, Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard, and near the Anaheim Resort area, Angel Stadium, Honda Center and the Platinum Triangle when events let out. They also happen on the ramps and lanes of the 5, 57, 91 and 55 freeways, where traffic can slow suddenly. We are only describing where these crashes tend to occur; every case depends on its own facts.

Who is at fault in a rear-end collision

California drivers must not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent (Veh. Code §21703). That is why the rear driver is often blamed. But fault is not automatic. The front driver can share blame if they stopped suddenly without reason, had a brake light out, or reversed. California uses pure comparative fault, so your recovery can be reduced by your own share of blame, but you can still recover (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804). In a chain-reaction crash with three or more vehicles, more than one driver may be responsible.

Injuries that follow rear-end crashes

• Whiplash and neck strain. Pain and stiffness can appear a day or more after the crash.
• Back and spine injuries, including disc problems.
• Head injuries and concussion, even without a blow to the head.
• Shoulder, arm and wrist injuries from bracing against the steering wheel.

Insurers often call low-speed rear-end crashes "minor." That label does not control your medical reality. Keep every record. For more on how value is measured, read our guide on whiplash after neck surgery.

What to do after being rear-ended in Anaheim

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt and move to a safe place if you can.
• Exchange driver, plate and insurance information. Photograph both cars, the road and any traffic signs.
• Get witness names and phone numbers.
• See a doctor soon, even if the pain seems mild, and follow the treatment plan.
• Report the crash to your insurer, but do not give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement; read why not.
• Do not sign a release or accept a quick offer before you know your full medical picture.
• California generally requires a report to the DMV within 10 days if there was an injury or significant property damage (Veh. Code §16000).

What you can claim

A rear-end injury claim may include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, lost earning ability, and pain and suffering. California limits past medical damages to the amount actually paid or incurred (Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541). If the other driver had no insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply (Ins. Code §11580.2). We do not predict results, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Deadlines that apply

Most California personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash (CCP §335.1; see our statute of limitations guide). If a city or other public entity vehicle hit you, a written claim is generally required within six months (Gov. Code §911.2).

Sky Law Group is at 303 W. Katella Ave., Suite 301, in Orange, minutes from Anaheim. See our Anaheim car accident lawyer page, our 91 freeway accident guide, or call (844) 475-9529. Se habla español: abogado de accidentes de auto en Anaheim.

Sources

• Cal. Veh. Code §§16000, 21703; Cal. Ins. Code §11580.2; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §335.1; Cal. Gov. Code §911.2.
• Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804; Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541.

Frequently asked questions

Who is at fault in a rear-end accident in Anaheim?

Often the rear driver, because California requires drivers not to follow too closely (Veh. Code §21703). Fault can be shared, so the facts matter.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California uses pure comparative fault, so your recovery is reduced by your share of blame but not eliminated.

Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after a rear-end crash?

Yes. Whiplash and other injuries can appear days later, and prompt care protects both your health and your claim.

The other driver’s insurance says it was only a minor impact. What now?

Do not accept that label. Keep your medical records and speak with a lawyer before giving a statement or signing anything.

What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help (Ins. Code §11580.2). Check your policy and talk to a lawyer.

What if I was hit in a chain-reaction crash?

More than one driver may share responsibility. Photos, witnesses and the police report help sort out the order of impacts.

Do I need to report the crash to the DMV?

California generally requires a report within 10 days if there was an injury or significant property damage (Veh. Code §16000).

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Generally two years (CCP §335.1). Claims against government entities have a six-month claim deadline (Gov. Code §911.2).

How much does a lawyer cost?

The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we recover on your case. Ask about the fee agreement in writing.

Can I talk to a lawyer in Spanish?

Yes. Our attorneys speak Spanish themselves. Hablamos Español.

Rear-ended in Anaheim? Call (844) 475-9529 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Attorney advertising. This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.