Top-Rated Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

Los Angeles is known for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and unfortunately, some of the most congested and dangerous roads in the country. Whether it’s a minor fender bender in DTLA or a major crash on the 405 freeway, the emotional toll and physical pain in a car accident can be a lot to handle.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident and need help dealing with the aftermath, West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to help. With over 25 years of experience, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve and need, so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Healing and moving forward.

Reach out today at (213) 927-3700 or use our online contact form for a free consultation. Our personal injury team is here to guide you through every step.

About West Coast Trial Lawyers

West Coast Trial Lawyers is a personal injury law firm based in Los Angeles, California, and was co-founded by Neama Rahmani and Allen Patatanyan. Together, they started a firm with a singular mission: to provide top-tier legal representation to people involved in accidents, because they know how impactful catastrophic accidents can be, both physically and financially.

With their combined knowledge and commitment, they created a multi-state law firm with a team of talented and well-experienced accident attorneys who understand what is at stake for their clients. Whether you are facing mounting medical bills or a permanent life changing injury, our team of car accidents lawyers will be there step by step, giving you the legal assistance you need.

Why Should I Hire a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring a car accident attorney is not mandatory, but going at it alone will be a real challenge. From filing a variety of paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel, there are a number of things that can go wrong in a car accident claim.

Filing a car accident claim can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. Having an experienced attorney handle those matters will increase your chances of making a full recovery.

How Much Does an LA Car Accident Lawyer Charge?

Most car accident attorneys operate under a contingency fee system which means accident victims won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees until their attorney wins their case or receives a settlement offer.

Should an attorney manage to achieve either scenario, they will collect their legal services through a flat percentage of the total awarded figure and this percentage will be dependent on the nature of the case and the attorney’s experience. This is particularly beneficial for accident victims because they will not have to worry about affording an attorney while managing a series of medical bills.

How Often Do Car Accidents Happen in LA?

According to reports from the City of Los Angeles, nearly 300 people have died from traffic collisions from 2021 to 2023 in Los Angeles County and the trajectory appears to be rising with every passing year. Despite public education about traffic accidents having improved within the past two decades, there are still a significant number of car accidents caused by negligent and reckless driving practices such as drunk driving and speeding.

In fact, a 2020 report from the California Highway Patrol and 2023 data from the California Office of Traffic Safety reveals some alarming statistics of how often car accidents occur throughout Los Angeles.

Over 200,000 people were injured in a car accident in 2020 alone.
From 2020 to 2023, there has been an average of 13,598 people who have suffered injuries and were killed in an accident.
The average mileage death rate was at 1.33 per mile, meaning that every mile has resulted in someone suffering fatal injuries in a car accident.

Due to the staggering number, traffic safety is more important than ever, because you will never know when an accident will occur.

Most Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Los Angeles can be caused by many factors, however, distracted driving, speeding and drunk driving are among the most common causes of car accidents in this city. As negligent driving behavior accounts for most car accident cases in Los Angeles, it can cause a variety of catastrophic accident scenes such as the following:

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Los Angeles car accidents can lead to various injuries of different severity levels which affect victims immediately and persist into the future. The combination of city traffic chaos and high freeway speeds generates severe and diverse car crash injuries throughout the area. Among the most common injuries are:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden movement of the head and neck during an accident can cause these injuries leading to pain and limited mobility.
Broken Bones: The force of a collision often results in fractures which can range from simple breaks that heal with time to more complex fractures that require surgical intervention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) : One of the most severe outcomes, TBIs can range from mild concussions with temporary symptoms to severe brain damage affecting cognitive and physical functions.
Lacerations and Bruises: Sharp objects, broken glass and the force of impact can cause cuts and bruising, sometimes resulting in significant blood loss or cosmetic concerns.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in temporary or permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

While every accident is different, the number of vehicles involved, the type of crash, and the parties involved in each accident can significantly affect the complexity of a claim. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

How to Prove Fault in a Car Accident in Los Angeles County

In order to prove fault in a car accident, you need to provide evidence that shows how the at-fault party caused the accident in question. This can come in the form of photos/videos of the accident scene, surveillance footage that showcases moments before the accident, and witness statements from people who saw the whole thing.

As negligence is a basic principle in personal injury law, proving it with substantial evidence is crucial to prove either deliberate or reckless actions. With that in mind, a successful claim in Los Angeles car accident cases depends heavily on establishing negligence because it determines who bears legal responsibility for the accident and must pay damages.

What If I’m Partially to Blame for the Accident?

If you were partial at-fault for a car accident, you can still recover compensation for any financial losses you have suffered. Under state law, car accident victims can still recover damages even if they share some of the blame, but their total awarded damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 20%.

However, even if you think you may be partially at fault for the accident, don’t admit liability at the scene or when speaking with insurance companies. This is largely due to the fact that insurance companies train their adjusters to minimize payouts as much as possible.

Deadline To File A Los Angeles Car Accident Claim

California’s statute of limitations for injury cases starts from the date of the discovered injury and car accident victims in Los Angeles have a 2-year window to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. If you fail to file a claim on time, then you automatically waive your right to recover compensation from the at-fault party, no matter how much evidence you have gathered.

If the car accident was caused by a government employee or government entity, you must file the appropriate government claim with the appropriate government agency within 6 months of the accident as per California Government Code 911.2.

As car accidents are a lot to handle on your own, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced car accident attorney to help you file a personal injury claim and begin the legal process to recover what you lost.

Common Forms of Compensation You Can Collect from a Car Accident Claim

Victims of car accidents in Los Angeles are entitled to various forms of financial compensation for any out-of-pocket costs they had to pay as a result. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages and factors related to pain and suffering, but they are typically divided into two categories, economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are defined as calculable financial losses that can be recovered for a specific value. In Los Angeles car accident cases, this can immediate and long-terms costs such as:

Repair and replacement costs for damaged property such as vehicles and personal belongings, including car repairs
Loss of use damages like rental cars and hotel expenses
Medical expenses like hospital bills, therapy costs, medication and future medical needs
Lost wages, if car accidents victims are unable to work post-accident which includes salary, commissions, bonuses, tips and retirement contributions.

As these expenses are typically documented for claim purposes, the amount you can recover for these damages may be limited by the terms of your insurance policy, including policy limits and coverage details. There is no statutory cap on the amount of economic damages that can be awarded in California, so full recovery of verified monetary losses is entirely possible.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are defined as incalculable losses that are designed to compensate victims for any physical pain or emotional suffering they have experienced. In the context of Los Angeles car accident cases, some of the most common types of non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Scarring
Loss of enjoyment of life
Decreased quality of life

The value of these damages is often calculated using a multiplier method, where the total amount of economic damages is multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the injury or the Per Diem Method that assigns a daily dollar amount to the victim’s pain and suffering, then multiplies it by the amount of days the victim is predicted to experience suffering. Whichever method is used, an experienced car accident lawyer can provide accurate estimations.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Whether you have been involved in a minor car accident or one where you have suffered catastrophic injuries, it is important to take some important, but practical steps to ensure you get the medical treatment you need but you have enough to file a personal injury claim. After a car accident do the following:

Safety First– Get medical attention if you’re injured and try to apply basic first aid until first responders arrive.
Gather Evidence– If you are healthy enough, it is important to gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, and police reports at the accident scene to support your claim.
Don’t Speak with Insurance Adjusters– Insurance companies may try to use your words against you in order to minimize the amount they have to pay.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer- By hiring an experienced lawyer, they can handle all the legal and insurance negotiations so you can focus on recovery without the added stress.

What if I’m Hit by an Uninsured Motorist in Los Angeles?

If you were involved in an automobile accident and the at-fault party has no insurance or not enough coverage, you may be able to get compensation from your own insurance company if you have purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

In California all automobile insurance companies are required to offer uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to their policyholders. In many cases the amount of coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists will be the same as the liability limits of your auto policy. Note that if you have not purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage you may still be able to recover damages.

What If Someone Dies After a Car Crash?

If the injured victim perishes in a serious car accident, the surviving victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. As fatalities from auto accidents lead to devastating losses which create both emotional hardship for bereaved families, it can without a doubt, result in legal complications. However a personal injury attorney can help ensure the legal process is running smoothly and get the surviving family the justice they deserve.

Do I Really Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

While you can try to handle a car accident claim on your own, you will not only get less money than you deserve but you’ll get more stress and pressure than you can imagine. As previously mentioned, the insurance companies are not on your side, because they are trained to pay car accident victims less than what they collect in premiums.

An experienced team of Los Angeles car accident attorneys will take care of everything for you. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we have helped clients by filing a claim with the insurance companies, finding excellent providers who can assist with medical treatment, and building a strong case that can help get the maximum amount of compensation they deserve.

What if My Car Accident Case Goes to Court?

If your car accident case goes to court, this means mediation has failed and the case will proceed to trial. At trial, the following things will happen:

Both parties present evidence to prove their side of the story
Witnesses testify and questions will be asked for better clarifications
Closing arguments are made
The judge or jury deliberates and gives a verdict

Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, a personal injury lawsuit can take anywhere between several months to years for a conclusion. While the extended duration can stem from a variety of things like investigations, the discovery process, and court scheduling, the knowledge of this timeline enables you to create proper expectations while preparing for your upcoming legal experience.

Speak to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and suffered serious injuries, the experienced legal team at West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to provide their expertise and assistance. Whether you have got into an accident on the I-5 North while on your way to work or in the congested streets in Santa Monica during rush hour, our team of attorneys have seen it all and will work tirelessly to ensure you get the legal support you need.

With trial experience and a history of success in high-profile cases we provide unmatched advocacy for your accident claim. The firm’s reputation is also backed by 5-star reviews and we ensure transparent communication throughout your case so you know what is happening. On top of it all, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay any legal fees until we win.

Call our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.

Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers For Your Car Accident Case?

Seasoned Expertise

Our car accident lawyers bring over 20 years of experience to the table, handling even the trickiest cases. We’re experts in California’s car accident laws, which helps us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Proven Results

We’ve secured over $1.7 billion in recoveries for our clients. Our attorneys go all-in to get the best possible outcome for every accident victim.

Always There for You

We listen closely to your story and tailor our approach to your unique situation. Unlike some firms, we’re available 24/7 and will even come to you when it’s most convenient.

No Risk to You

We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you are searching for the best car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you can trust WCTL to handle your case with experience and dedication.

Multilingual Representation

With a large multilingual team on staff, we make it easy for you to understand your rights and feel fully supported throughout your case.