Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can turn your life upside down out of nowhere. Whether it’s a major crash or a minor fender-bender, the emotional toll and physical pain can be a lot to handle. Medical bills from injuries pile up fast, putting you in a tough financial spot. And to make matters worse, insurance companies often try to lowball or deny your claim when you need support the most.

At WCTL, 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.

Who’s Fighting for You? | Founder and President of West Coast Trial Lawyers

Neama Rahmani, co-founder and President of WCTL, and leader of our Los Angeles car accident team. Fresh out of Harvard Law School—where he graduated among the youngest in its history—Neama began his legal career as a U.S. Federal Prosecutor. Later, he served as Director of Enforcement for the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, fighting corruption in the mayor’s office.

You might also recognize him from his legal commentary on networks like CNN, Fox, and BBC, where he shares his expert legal analysis on trending topics to a global audience. Neama currently uses his vast experience and knowledge to lead our car accident lawyers team toward achieving justice for accident victims.

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

Our team is dedicated to supporting you with top-tier service and fierce advocacy. As a leading law firm in Los Angeles, WCTL stands out among the others, our client-focused approach and proven results are second to none. Here’s why WCTL is the right choice for your 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.

Car Accident Statistics in California

Public education about traffic accidents represents the fundamental component for stopping future car accidents. Motor vehicle accident statistics demonstrate the dangerous conditions which drivers must face while driving through Los Angeles. Monitoring the current patterns of auto accidents throughout the LA region and their specific influences on the region helps determine the causes behind this incident. According to the latest data from the Los Angeles County Office of Traffic Safety (2020), 26,132 fatalities were reported. Among the accidents, 228 were drunk drivers, 3.397 were speed-related and 3903 were pedestrian collisions. The number of fatalities in California during 2019 exceeded 66,378 deaths.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Los Angeles can be caused by many factors. Distracted driving, speeding and drunk driving are among the most common causes of car accidents in this city. Distracted driving, particularly cell phone use while driving, is a major cause of car accidents in Los Angeles despite the laws against it. In general, Most accidents happen when a negligent driver hits another vehicle due to traffic violations or reckless behavior.

Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents in Los Angeles, including a significant number of fatal collisions. Common traffic violations that lead to serious accidents include failing to yield the right of way, performing illegal maneuvers, and ignoring stop signs and traffic lights. Bad weather and poor road conditions also contribute to car accidents in Los Angeles. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

Different Types of Car Accidents

Los Angeles with its heavy traffic and vast highways sees many car accidents every day. In 2022, California had over 4047 fatalities from car accidents, that’s about 11 per day. These accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on crashes
• Side-impact collisions
• Single car accidents
• Multi-Car Accidents

The number of vehicles involved and the parties involved in each accident can significantly affect the complexity of a claim.

Each type of accident has its own causes and injuries. Common car accident injuries such as whiplash often result from rear-end accidents due to drivers not paying attention to the road. Head-on collisions may be caused by a vehicle drifting into oncoming traffic and often result in airbag deployment which may cause delayed pain symptoms.

Side-impact or T-bone accidents usually happen at intersections or in parking lots causing significant damage to vehicle sides. Single car accidents involve collisions with stationary objects or situations where drivers lose control of their vehicles ranging from hitting road debris to animal collisions.

​​Our firm represents clients across the spectrum of car accidents above. We have expertise in handling the unique challenges and injuries of each type of accident and will provide our clients with comprehensive legal support from a dedicated Los Angeles car accident lawyer tailored to their situation. An injured driver may face unique challenges in seeking compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in Los Angeles 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.

The permanent nature of some car crash injuries forces victims to receive ongoing medical treatment while requiring lifelong care that severely impacts their life quality and their eligibility for compensation.

When severe cases occur it is essential to consider the possibility of wrongful death. Fatalities from auto accidents lead to devastating losses which create both emotional hardship for bereaved families and resulting legal complications. A victim requires legal assistance to handle recoverable injuries or deal with the substantial consequences of wrongful death in automobile accidents.

Proving Negligence in a Car Accident

Negligence represents a basic principle in personal injury law because it describes when someone fails to exercise the same caution that a normally prudent person would exhibit in similar circumstances. The concept extends to both deliberate actions and deliberate inactions that should have occurred but did not result in unintended injuries or damages.

A successful claim in Los Angeles car accident cases depends heavily on establishing negligence because it establishes who bears legal responsibility for the accident and must pay damages.

Gross Negligence

Gross negligence represents a more extreme form of carelessness compared to negligence which is characterized by a failure to exercise proper precautions. The definition of gross negligence describes when someone deliberately ignores the requirement to demonstrate reasonable care thus creating probable severe damage to people or property or both. A reasonable person would avoid such actions under similar circumstances.

The assessment of gross negligence during personal injury cases determines both the level of penalties and the kinds of damages that will be awarded. The proof of gross negligence allows plaintiffs to receive punitive damages which serve both to punish defendants and prevent future occurrences together with compensatory damages. A car accident case involving gross negligence tends to increase the financial and legal responsibility of responsible parties thus resulting in serious legal and financial consequences.

Should I Hire a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring a car accident attorney is your call, but going at it alone can be a real challenge. You technically can, but dealing with insurance claims on your own often leads to headaches, missed opportunities, or settling for less than you deserve. An experienced auto accident lawyer and their team can make all the difference, fighting to get you the compensation you’re entitled to. Juggling insurance companies, complicated paperwork, and the stress of recovery is tough—doing it solo can feel like moving mountains.

The best place to start? Sit down for a consultation with a car accident attorney to figure out your options and map out the next steps.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?

A car accident lawyer will gather evidence, determine liability, and help prove negligence to strengthen your claim. A personal injury lawyer will advocate for you, handle communications with insurance companies and make sure all legal procedures are followed. This professional support not only reduces stress but also increases your chances of getting the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

Can I Afford the Services of a Car Accident Attorney?

Yes, you can! We offer high quality legal representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we recover for you. Our auto accident lawyers specialize in car accident cases and will deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Plus, we offer a free case evaluation to explore your options, whether it’s negotiating a settlement or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Our auto accident attorneys are available to guide you through every step of the claims process.

Deadline To File A Los Angeles Car Accident Claim

California’s statute of limitations for injury cases starts from the date of discovery of the injury. This means car accident victims in Los Angeles have an initial 2-year window to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. If you are injured by a government employee or need to file a claim against a government entity, you must file the appropriate government claim with the appropriate government agency within 6 months. California car crash victims need to know it will take time to file a personal injury claim to an insurance provider.

It’s important to understand the difference between a car accident claim and a car accident lawsuit; while a claim is filed with an insurance company, a lawsuit involves legal action in court and often requires consulting with qualified attorneys. When a personal injury case cannot be resolved through insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits are filed in civil court to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligence.

What Damages Can I Collect from a Car Accident Claim?

Victims of car accidents in Los Angeles are entitled to various forms of financial compensation for their damages. The injured party has the right to seek compensation for all losses resulting from the accident. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages and factors related to pain and suffering.

An injury victim can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in car accident cases in Los Angeles can include medical expenses for both immediate and long-term medical care like hospital bills, therapy costs, medication and future medical needs. Victims can also receive compensation for lost wages if they are unable to work post-accident which includes salary, commissions, bonuses, tips and retirement contributions.

Economic damages also include:

• 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
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, including travel costs to medical appointments and payments for services that victims cannot perform

These expenses should be 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 possible.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages in Los Angeles car accident cases 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 economic damages are multiplied by a number based on the severity of pain and suffering Daily Rate or Per Diem Method.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages in Los Angeles are awarded in rare cases where a defendant’s conduct is deemed to be malice, oppression or fraud. Willful and wanton negligence where the defendant acted intentionally with knowledge of the probable harm can also justify punitive damages in California.

There is no statutory cap on punitive damages for personal injury cases in Los Angeles and the awards must be reasonable and related to the actual harm and general damages recovered. Punitive damages are not fixed and are determined by evaluating the reprehensibility of the conduct, the defendant’s behavior patterns and their financial condition; damages in wrongful death cases are limited unless the defendant is convicted of felony murder.

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

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. California is a comparative negligence state, which means you can still recover damages even if you share some of the blame. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 20%.

Even if you share some responsibility, you may still be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the other driver or other party involved in the accident to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Navigating this process can be complicated and admitting fault early on might jeopardize your ability to get fair compensation. A car accident lawyer can help you assess your situation, protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome even if you’re partially responsible.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

After a car accident do the following:

1. Safety First! Get medical attention if you’re injured. At the accident scene, it is important to gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, and police reports to support your claim.
2. File a claim with all the information you have, including the other driver’s details and witness statements if available. But, don’t speak to the other party’s insurance provider, they may use your words against you. Identifying all parties involved is crucial for a successful claim.
3. Call a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles to handle all the legal and insurance negotiations so you can focus on recovery without the added stress. If the at-fault party is a government entity, you must follow the California Tort Claims Act which includes filing a claim within six months and specific procedures post-claim rejection.

Trying to handle a car accident claim on your own will not only get you less money than you deserve but it’s more stressful than you think. The insurance companies are not on your side. They are trained to pay car accident victims less than what they deserve. Their success is entirely dependent on making money by paying you less than what they collect in premiums.

Our experienced team of Los Angeles car accident attorneys will take care of everything for you. We will file a claim with the insurance companies, help with your medical treatment, take care of all the paperwork, build a strong case for you and help you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

What if My Car Accident Case Goes to Court?

The legal process for car accident cases involves several steps. After sending the demand letter parties typically start settlement talks while mediation with a neutral third party becomes an option when direct negotiations fail to progress. The legal process advances to lawsuit filing after parties fail to reach an equitable settlement. The defendant receives service after which they respond before the discovery phase begins to exchange information and collect evidence.

When mediation fails and settlement negotiations do not produce an agreement the case will proceed to trial. At trial the following happens:

1. Both parties present evidence.
2. Witnesses testify.
3. Closing arguments are made.
4. The judge or jury deliberates and gives a verdict.

The length of personal injury cases depends on individual case factors including injury severity and fault clarity and settlement willingness between parties. A simple case can settle within a few months if both parties agree about facts and compensation amounts. The duration of the case becomes much longer when there are disagreements about what happened or when serious injuries with long-term effects exist or when the case needs to go to trial and can take several years to complete.

The extended duration stems from investigations combined with the discovery process and negotiation periods and court scheduling. The knowledge of this timeline enables you to create proper expectations while preparing for your upcoming legal experience. A skilled Los Angeles car accident attorney together with patience becomes essential for achieving a favorable outcome during this process.

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.

Speak to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today!

WCTL’s reputation for excellence in Los Angeles is backed by 5-star reviews and transparent communication. Call our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form. You can receive a no obligation consultation to discuss your case with our experienced team.

With trial experience and a history of success in high-profile cases we provide unmatched advocacy for your accident claim.

Helpful Articles From Our Car Accident Attorneys

At WCTL, we are committed to providing our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their car accident case. Here are some helpful articles from our Auto Accident Lawyers:

• How to Get Your Car Fixed After a Car Accident
• Is Brake Checking Someone Illegal?
• Is It Illegal to Not Have Car Insurance in California?
• What is a Fender Bender? [A Guide on How To Handle Them]