Avrek Law Firm Tells Undocumented Californians They Can Seek Care and Claims After Car Crashes — Here’s What That Means

A direct message to people hurt in crashes

Avrek Law Firm has put out a public statement aimed at undocumented people in California who are injured in car accidents. The firm says those people can get emergency medical care, and in many cases can still pursue compensation through insurance or the courts even if they don’t have legal immigration status.

That message matters because fear about deportation or arrest can stop people from getting treatment or reporting a crash. Avrek’s announcement tries to clear up what the firm calls a confusing mix of medical rules, state laws and immigration policy.

The clarification is not a change in the law. It is a reminder — from one law firm’s point of view — of existing protections and practical steps that injured people in California can take if they are hurt on the road.

How California and federal law shape care and claims after a crash

Two basic legal points are the backbone of the situation. First, hospitals and emergency rooms must provide emergency medical treatment regardless of a person’s immigration status. That obligation comes from federal rules that require hospitals to stabilize patients in emergencies. In plain terms: if you are bleeding or have a life‑threatening injury, a hospital can’t refuse care because of your immigration status.

Second, people hurt in crashes can often bring civil claims for money to cover medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. California courts generally let injured people sue the driver who caused the crash — and insurance companies that cover those drivers usually handle the money side. Being undocumented does not automatically bar someone from filing a lawsuit or making an insurance claim.

State policy also affects how law enforcement and hospitals interact with federal immigration authorities. California has laws that limit local cooperation with immigration enforcement in many routine situations. At the same time, federal immigration agents still operate, and there are narrow exceptions where information may be shared. Patient privacy rules also protect medical records, although those protections are not absolute.

Finally, different legal tracks may apply in special cases. If a crash happened while a person was working, workers’ compensation or employer liability rules may apply. If criminal charges arise from the crash, that is a separate system with its own risks and procedures.

What Avrek is telling the public

In its announcement, Avrek Law Firm framed its message around three points: emergency care is available; injured people may be able to secure compensation; and fear of immigration consequences should not be the only factor in deciding whether to seek help.

The firm offered to speak with injured people, saying it can explain how claims work and what to expect when dealing with insurers or police. Avrek noted it provides consultations in Spanish and other languages and can help clients understand possible interactions with immigration officials. The statement stressed the firm’s rationale that clarity about rights can reduce unnecessary harm to people who are injured.

Where people often get the rules wrong

There are several common misconceptions that cause confusion. One is the belief that undocumented people cannot file insurance claims. That is not true in general — many insurers will process claims from injured parties regardless of status, though outcomes depend on the policy and the situation.

Another myth is that hospitals will always contact immigration agents. In reality, hospitals are required to provide emergency care and to respect patient privacy. Routine visits do not automatically trigger immigration enforcement, and California law puts limits on local agencies cooperating with federal immigration authorities in many cases. But nothing in law guarantees zero risk in every situation; federal agents can act in certain circumstances.

People also worry that reporting a crash to the police will lead to immediate deportation. Reporting is often necessary — for insurance claims and for public safety — and California’s rules on cooperation with immigration authorities reduce some risks, but the risk is not zero. Each case differs depending on local practices and whether criminal activity is suspected.

Finally, missing a Social Security number does not necessarily block access to a claim. Insurers and courts can use other forms of identification, and some injured people use tax identification numbers or other documentation when pursuing claims.

Places to turn for help and information

People looking for assistance can contact a range of public and community resources. Local hospital patient advocates can explain medical billing and privacy protections. County public health clinics and community health centers provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

On the legal side, nonprofit groups that work with immigrants can help explain rights and next steps. Organizations with statewide reach include immigrant legal services groups, workers’ rights clinics and nonprofit law firms that offer low‑cost or sliding‑scale help. The California Department of Motor Vehicles and the state Attorney General’s office publish public information about driver licensing and consumer rights, and county courthouses and legal aid hotlines can point people to local services.

Why this reminder matters beyond individual cases

This kind of public statement highlights larger, ongoing gaps in access to care and the justice system. When people fear seeking help, public health suffers — untreated injuries can turn into long‑term disabilities, and crashes that go unreported leave unsafe conditions unaddressed.

Avrek’s message also feeds into a wider debate about how state policy, healthcare rules and immigration enforcement mesh in everyday emergencies. The announcement won’t settle those debates, but it may nudge more injured people to get the care and claims process started — which is exactly what the firm says it aims to do.

Sources

• prnewswire.com