A serious car accident can upend your life in an instant—especially in California, where congested freeways and bustling city streets lead to thousands of collisions each year. You may find yourself facing steep medical bills, lost wages, or the prospect of months (or even years) of litigation.
At Northstar Pre-Settlement Funding, our goal is straightforward: to ease your financial strain so you can pursue the compensation you deserve without settling for less.
Give us a call at 424-431-5051 or apply online for a California car accident loan and see how Northstar Pre-Settlement Funding can help you bridge the gap while your legal case unfolds.
How a “Car Accident Loan” Works in California
A car accident loan—based on pre-settlement funding—is a non-recourse cash advance based on the future value of your legal claim. Non-recourse means you repay only if you win or settle your case.
That way, if the outcome isn’t in your favor, you owe nothing. It’s a risk-free resource for many plaintiffs who simply can’t wait out the long legal process while their expenses keep piling up.
Key Benefits
- No Debt if You Lose – If your case doesn’t settle or you don’t win, you keep the advance with no further obligation.
- Fast Access to Funds – Once approved, most clients receive money in as little as 24–48 hours.
- No Credit Check – Your funding eligibility is primarily based on the strength of your case, not your financial history.
- Stay in Control – Avoid the pressure to accept a lower settlement just because you need money urgently.
California Laws Regarding Car Accidents and Legal Funding
- Pure Comparative Negligence: Under California law, you can still recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility for the accident. However, negotiating a fair settlement can be time-consuming, especially when insurers dispute who’s to blame.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Financial support during this window can help you gather evidence and protect your legal rights without cutting corners.
- High Incidence of Collisions: According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were over 4,200 traffic fatalities in 2021, reflecting a 7.6% increase from the prior year. With so many accidents happening statewide, the backlog in courts and insurance investigations can be substantial.
Types of Accidents We Fund
We’ve seen every kind of accident under the sun, from minor fender benders to major freeway pile-ups. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence and have an active personal injury claim, we can likely help. Here are a few scenarios we commonly fund via our litigation funding company:
- Rear-End Collisions: Especially prevalent on California’s busy interstates, these often lead to back or neck injuries requiring ongoing medical care.
- Rideshare Accidents: Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare incidents can quickly become complicated due to competing insurance policies.
- Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Pile-ups involving multiple cars, trucks, or motorcycles can take much longer to sort out legally, leaving you waiting on a settlement.
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Injuries: Heavily populated areas like downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco can see serious pedestrian and bicycle collisions with life-altering consequences.
No matter the specifics, our team works directly with you and your attorney to evaluate the merits of your case and determine a sensible funding amount.
Our Simple Funding Process
- Initial Consultation: Call us at 424-431-5051 or apply online to discuss your accident, your injuries, and any pending claims. We’ll gather basic information and coordinate with your attorney.
- Case Review: Our underwriters assess the strength of your legal claim, including potential liability and your projected damages (like medical costs or lost income). We do not use your credit score or employment status as deciding factors.
- Approval & Funding: If approved, we’ll outline the agreed-upon terms in plain language. Once you sign, you’ll typically have funds in your bank account within one to two business days.
- Repayment Only If You Win: If you settle or win your lawsuit, repayment is taken from your award. But if for some reason the case fails, you owe nothing.
Why Choose Northstar Pre-Settlement Funding After a Car Accident
- Transparent Terms: We keep our fee structures clear—no hidden charges or surprises.
- Quick Turnaround: You need support now, not weeks from now. We aim to finalize funding as swiftly as possible.
- Dedicated Team: We pride ourselves on treating every client with empathy. We understand how overwhelming a serious accident can be, and we work hard to help you breathe easier.
- Reputable Service: Plaintiffs across California trust us for our professionalism, competitive rates, and straightforward process.
Serving All of California
Wherever you’re located—from Los Angeles to San Diego, Sacramento to San Francisco—our team can help. Long commutes and heavy traffic are a fact of life here, but that shouldn’t mean you’re stuck waiting indefinitely for the resources you need.
FAQs
Do I need to notify Northstar if I’m changing attorneys in the middle of my case?
Absolutely. Because we coordinate directly with your legal counsel for document requests and case updates, it’s crucial to keep us in the loop. A new attorney may require a revised agreement or updated status reports regarding your claim.
Can I use pre-settlement funding to cover unrelated expenses, like a car purchase or home improvements?
Yes. Once the funds are disbursed, you can choose how to allocate them—even if that’s replacing your totaled vehicle or meeting unexpected home repair costs. However, it’s wise to budget carefully for immediate needs tied to your accident—such as medical bills, physical therapy, or lost wage replacement—before committing funds to other personal projects or purchases.
Are there county-specific rules in California for obtaining pre-settlement funding?
Generally, pre-settlement funding is governed by state-level guidelines and contract law in California, rather than county-by-county regulations. However, the pace and procedures of court cases can differ—Los Angeles County might process paperwork differently than Contra Costa or San Diego. If you have questions about local court rules or filing deadlines, your attorney is your best resource for navigating any county-specific nuances.
Does pre-settlement funding apply if my accident involved a government-owned vehicle, such as a city bus?
Yes. Lawsuits against public entities in California involve extra steps, including a shorter deadline for filing a government claim. Despite these complexities, pre-settlement funding is still an option. Your attorney will submit the necessary information to demonstrate the viability of your lawsuit. As with any case, our underwriting focuses on liability, damages, and potential recovery, so be sure to provide any official government-claim notices.
What if the defendant files an appeal after my case appears settled?
An appeal can extend the timeline substantially, which is why non-recourse funding can be so advantageous. If the verdict is overturned and you ultimately lose, you won’t be responsible for repayment. However, if the appeal fails and the award is upheld, your repayment—including accrued fees—will be due upon the final resolution. Talk with your attorney to gauge how an appeal might impact the amount or duration of your funding.
Will pre-settlement funding impact my tax obligations in California?
In most personal injury cases, settlement proceeds are not taxed as income—though certain portions, such as punitive damages or interest, may be taxable. A pre-settlement advance does not alter the fundamental tax treatment of your award. However, each situation is unique. If you have specific questions about the tax implications of your settlement or the interest portion, consult a tax professional for personalized guidance under California and federal law.
Contact Us to Learn More
Your finances shouldn’t dictate whether you can stand up to insurance companies or negligent parties. Give us a call at 424-431-5051 or apply online to see how Northstar Pre-Settlement Funding can help you bridge the gap while your car accident case unfolds.
Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through the application, and ensure your path to fair compensation isn’t blocked by financial stress.