Short answer: No official list names the best personal injury lawyer in La Habra, California. “Best” here means criteria, not a ranking. A good choice explains California’s deadlines, gets the right crash report, and checks for a public entity claim. In La Habra, that often means a La Habra Police Department report and a six-month City claim when it applies.
There is also a Spanish version of this La Habra page.
Attorney Advertising. “Best” in this title reflects how people search and the criteria below, not a comparative ranking, award, or guarantee of any outcome. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. LA Law Group does not have an office in La Habra. We serve La Habra clients from our Chatsworth office. This page is general information, not legal advice.
This guide covers the City of La Habra, California, in Orange County. The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest city population estimate, read on November 1, 2026, put La Habra city, California, at 60,908.
La Habra or La Habra Heights? The names are close, but they are two different cities. La Habra is in Orange County. La Habra Heights is a separate city in Los Angeles County, with its own government. Everything below is about the City of La Habra. If your crash happened in La Habra Heights, the agencies, claim office, and court can be different.
What should you do in the first days after a La Habra crash?
The first few days set up everything that follows. A short list:
- Get care. Call 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt, and see a doctor even if you feel fine.
- Note the agency. Write down the officer’s agency and any report number given at the scene.
- Document the scene. If it is safe, photograph the vehicles, the road, and your injuries.
- Collect details. Get names, phone numbers, driver’s license and insurance information, and witness contacts.
- Keep records. Save medical bills, proof of missed work, repair estimates, and insurer letters.
- Check the calendar. A claim against a public entity can be due in six months, which is much sooner than the two-year lawsuit deadline.
A note on timing: Deadlines generally keep running while you wait for a report, so it helps to note the dates early.
Two state rules also apply at the start. Vehicle Code section 20001 requires a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills another person to stop at the scene. Vehicle Code section 16000 generally requires a driver to report a crash to the DMV within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed, or when property damage is over the dollar amount the section sets. That DMV report is separate from any police report.
Who polices La Habra, and who writes the crash report?
La Habra has its own municipal police department. As of November 1, 2026, the Department’s Police Department page listed the La Habra Police Department at 150 North Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631, with a phone number of (562) 383-4300. The Department’s Contact page listed (562) 383-4300 as the dispatch non-emergency line, (562) 383-4316 for Records, and (562) 383-4345 for the Traffic Bureau. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Who writes the report depends on where the crash happened:
- La Habra Police Department. Crashes on La Habra city streets are generally handled by the La Habra Police Department.
- California Highway Patrol. Freeway crashes are generally handled by the California Highway Patrol. The CHP’s Find an Office page lists its local offices; this guide names no CHP office for La Habra, so confirm the office with the officer or the CHP. This guide names no highway or street as a crash corridor.
| Who handles what | What its official page said on November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| La Habra Police Department | City police; 150 North Euclid Street; non-emergency (562) 383-4300 |
| La Habra PD Records Bureau | 150 N. Euclid Street, just inside the entry of the Police Department; (562) 383-4316 |
| La Habra PD Traffic Bureau | (562) 383-4345 |
| California Highway Patrol | Freeway crashes; no CHP office named here for La Habra |
How do you get a copy of a La Habra police report?
As of November 1, 2026, the Department’s Records Bureau page listed the Records Bureau at 150 N. Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631, phone (562) 383-4316, and said it is “located just inside the entry of the Police Department.” The Police Department page linked “Police PRA Requests” (public records requests) to the City’s online records request portal. That portal said:
- How to ask. “If you are requesting police reports or other police-related records, please select “Police” for your request type.”
- Electronic copies. “No fees shall be charged for the inspection, emailing, or electronic faxing of records, however there is a charge for physical copies of records.”
- Cost. It listed a per-page photocopy charge but added that “fees for bound documents, oversized maps, or reports may differ,” and said “Total fee amount to be determined by the City Clerk Department.”
- Help. It listed (562) 383-4030 for questions.
The Department also keeps a Fee Schedule for Records Services. Because the portal says report fees may differ, this guide does not state a report fee; ask Records before you pay. The Department’s site also has a “File a Police Report” link for submitting a new report, which is a different thing from getting a copy of a crash report. Plan for the report to take some time, and keep your own notes in the meantime.
What deadlines apply, and what if a public entity is involved?
Generally, a California personal injury lawsuit has to be filed within two years, and a claim against a public entity generally has to be presented within six months first. California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets the two-year period for injury caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. See the California statute of limitations guide for more detail.
A public entity changes the calendar. When the City of La Habra, the County of Orange, or another public entity may be responsible, Government Code section 911.2 generally requires a written claim for injury within six months after the cause of action accrues, before any lawsuit. Other claims generally have one year. A City vehicle, a public employee, or damaged public property can bring this rule into play. Exceptions and tolling rules can move these dates, and waiting for a report generally does not pause them. The government claim guide walks through the full process.
After the claim. If the public entity gives written notice that it rejected the claim, Government Code section 945.6 generally allows six months from the date the notice is personally delivered or mailed to file the lawsuit. If no such notice is given, the section generally allows two years from when the cause of action accrued.
Claims against the City of La Habra. As of November 1, 2026, the City’s Risk Management page said: “To file a claim against the City, you must complete a claim form. The completed claim form must be sent to the City Clerk’s Office.” Its link opened the City’s Claim for Damages Against the City of La Habra form. That form said:
- “FILE WITH: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 110 E. LA HABRA BLVD. LA HABRA, CA. 90631”
- “Claims for death, injury to person or to personal property must be filed no later than six months after the occurrence. (Gov. Code Sec. 911.2. See also La Habra Municipal Code Chapter 1.22.)”
- “Claims for damages to real property must be filed no later than 1 year after the occurrence. (Gov. Code Sec. 911.2.)”
The City Clerk’s Office page said the office “accepts petitions, appeals, claims” and listed (562) 383-4030. The form did not say how to deliver it, so ask the City Clerk’s Office, and keep a copy of the claim and proof of when it was filed.
| Deadline by claim type | General rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lawsuit for personal injury | Generally two years | CCP section 335.1 |
| Claim to a public entity for injury or personal property | Generally six months | Gov. Code section 911.2 |
| Claim to a public entity for other losses | Generally one year | Gov. Code section 911.2 |
| Lawsuit after a written claim rejection notice | Generally six months from the notice | Gov. Code section 945.6 |
| DMV report after a qualifying crash | Within 10 days | Vehicle Code section 16000 |
Where is a La Habra injury case filed?
La Habra is in Orange County, so a La Habra injury lawsuit is generally a matter for the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. This is not the Los Angeles County court.
As of November 1, 2026, the court’s Court Designation List said limited civil and unlimited civil cases are heard at the Central Justice Center, and its La Habra row listed the Central Justice Center in the civil columns. The court’s Central Justice Center page gave the address as 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, with a phone number of (657) 622-6878, and said the facility handles unlimited civil and limited civil proceedings. The designation list sends complex civil cases to a separate courthouse, so which courthouse hears a case depends on the facts.
What kinds of cases come up after an injury in La Habra?
Some types of claims a California injury lawyer may review include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
- E-bike and scooter crashes (e-bike accident guide)
- Rideshare crashes
- Injuries on unsafe property
- Dog bites
- Injuries involving a public vehicle, employee, or property
When the injured person is a child, a settlement generally needs court approval; see our guide to a minor’s compromise in California. Each case turns on its own facts, insurance, and deadlines. No La Habra crash statistics appear here.
How do you choose a personal injury lawyer for a La Habra case?
Ask direct questions and expect direct answers:
- License. Is the lawyer licensed in California? The State Bar of California keeps public records.
- Deadlines. Does the lawyer check the two-year rule and any six-month public entity claim on day one?
- Reports. Does the lawyer know La Habra has its own police department, with police report requests handled through the City’s records request portal, and when the CHP holds the report instead?
- Claim filing. Does the lawyer know the City’s claim form is filed with the City Clerk’s Office at 110 E. La Habra Blvd.?
- Right county. Does the lawyer know La Habra cases go to the Orange County court, not the Los Angeles County court, and that La Habra Heights is a different city?
- Fees in writing. Does the written agreement explain fees and case costs before any work starts?
Our article on how to choose a car accident lawyer has more questions to ask.
Can you still recover if you were partly at fault?
Often, yes. California follows pure comparative negligence. A person who is partly at fault can generally still recover, with the amount reduced by their own share of fault.
Who pays for what in an injury case?
| Role | What it usually covers |
|---|---|
| At-fault driver’s insurer | Claims for injuries and losses caused by its insured, up to policy limits |
| Your own auto insurer | Coverages you bought, such as medical payments or uninsured motorist coverage, if your policy includes them |
| Health insurer or medical providers | Treatment now, sometimes with a lien or reimbursement claim later (medical liens guide) |
| Public entity | Only after a timely claim, when its vehicle, employee, or property may be responsible |
What a case may be worth depends on the injuries, the evidence, and the available coverage. See how much a personal injury case is worth in California.
What does a La Habra case look like in practice?
Illustrative hypothetical (not a real case): On April 14, a driver is stopped at a light on a city street in La Habra, California, when a City of La Habra work truck rolls into the back of the car. The driver goes to urgent care for neck pain the same evening. A La Habra Police Department officer responds and gives the driver a report number. Because a City vehicle was involved, the driver’s lawyer marks October 14 as the outside six-month claim date under Government Code section 911.2 and April 14 two years later as the general two-year lawsuit date. The lawyer requests the report through the City’s records request portal, choosing Police as the request type, prepares the City’s claim form, files it with the City Clerk’s Office, and keeps proof of filing. If the City sends a written rejection notice, the lawyer marks the six-month lawsuit date under Government Code section 945.6. The facts are made up, and every case is different.
How do attorney fees work at LA Law Group?
No attorney fee unless we win your case. You are responsible for case costs regardless of the outcome.
The written fee agreement explains how fees and costs are handled before any work begins. Our article on how personal injury lawyers get paid explains the basics.
How can LA Law Group help with a La Habra injury?
We serve La Habra clients from our Chatsworth office at 21540 Prairie St Unit A, Chatsworth, CA 91311. We can review the report, the deadlines, and whether a City claim applies, and explain the next steps in plain language. Other cities we serve from Chatsworth include Fullerton, Buena Park, and La Mirada.
To learn more, visit our personal injury practice page, contact us, or read about us.
Your initial consultation is free.
Call (866) 625-2529.
Sources checked
Official pages, documents, and statutes checked on November 1, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles):
- City of La Habra, Police Department, Records Bureau, Contact, Fee Schedule for Records Services, and the City’s online records request portal
- City of La Habra, Risk Management, City Clerk’s Office, and claim form
- CHP Find an Office
- Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Court Designation List and Central Justice Center
- U.S. Census Bureau, city and town population estimates: La Habra city, California, 60,908 in the latest estimate
- CCP section 335.1 (added in 2002, effective January 1, 2003), Gov. Code section 911.2, Gov. Code section 945.6, Vehicle Code section 20001, and Vehicle Code section 16000
Agency details, hours, and procedures can change. Re-check the official page before you rely on it.
Key takeaways
- La Habra, California, is an Orange County city with its own police department; crashes on city streets are generally handled by the La Habra Police Department.
- La Habra Heights is a separate city in Los Angeles County; this guide does not cover it.
- Freeway crashes are generally handled by the California Highway Patrol.
- As of November 1, 2026, the Police Department linked police records requests to the City’s records request portal, which said to select Police as the request type and that the City Clerk Department sets the total fee.
- A claim against the City of La Habra is filed with the City Clerk’s Office at 110 E. La Habra Blvd., generally within six months for injury.
- A California injury lawsuit generally has a two-year deadline, and civil cases from La Habra are generally heard at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Short checklist
- Get medical care and keep the records.
- Write down the agency and any report number.
- Request the report from the agency that wrote it.
- Mark the six-month claim date if a public entity may be involved.
- Mark the two-year lawsuit date.
- Re-open the official pages on the day you rely on them.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Reading it does not make LA Law Group your lawyers. Results depend on the facts and California law. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
Photo: Nout Gons on Pexels (photo 248159), under the Pexels License. The Pexels page gives the location as Los Angeles, United States. Cropped and resized to 1600x900; no other edits. The photo was not taken in La Habra.
Frequently asked
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California after an injury in La Habra?
Generally, California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 gives two years to file a lawsuit for an injury caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. If the City of La Habra or another public entity may be responsible, a written claim generally has to be presented within six months first. Exceptions and tolling rules can move these dates, and waiting for a report generally does not pause them.
What should I do after a crash in La Habra, CA?
Call 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt, get medical care, write down the agency and any report number the officer gives you, photograph the vehicles and the scene if it is safe, collect names and insurance details, and keep every bill and record. Then check your deadlines, because a public entity claim can be due in six months.
Who handles police reports for crashes in La Habra?
La Habra has its own police department. Crashes on La Habra city streets are generally handled by the La Habra Police Department, 150 North Euclid Street, non-emergency line (562) 383-4300. Freeway crashes are generally handled by the California Highway Patrol.
How do I get a La Habra police crash report?
As of November 1, 2026, the Police Department's page linked Police PRA Requests to the City's online records request portal, which said to select Police as the request type for police reports. The Records Bureau is at 150 N. Euclid Street, (562) 383-4316. The portal said the total fee is determined by the City Clerk Department, so confirm any cost before you rely on it.
What if a City of La Habra vehicle or public property was involved?
A claim against a public entity for injury generally has to be presented within six months under Government Code section 911.2. As of November 1, 2026, the City's claim form said to file it with the City Clerk's Office, 110 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631.
Is La Habra the same as La Habra Heights?
No. La Habra is a city in Orange County. La Habra Heights is a separate city in Los Angeles County, with its own government. This guide covers the City of La Habra only.
Which court handles injury lawsuits for La Habra?
La Habra is in Orange County, so a La Habra injury lawsuit is generally a matter for the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. The court's designation list says limited and unlimited civil cases are heard at the Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, and its La Habra row lists the Central Justice Center for civil cases.
How do attorney fees work at LA Law Group?
No attorney fee unless we win your case. You are responsible for case costs regardless of the outcome. A written fee agreement explains the terms before any work begins.
Attorney Advertising. This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.