Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Los Angeles is a beautiful city that attracts millions of people, and with this comes an increased probability of being in an accident. A car accident can be devastating which is why you are entitled to seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver or insurance company. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles that understands the complexity of the legal system, is instrumental. Pacific Attorney Group is a law firm specializing in legal representation to claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents. The Los Angeles car accident lawyer team is dedicated to helping victims of car accidents and their families obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to negotiate with insurance companies, fight for your rights, and ultimately get you the funds you need to repair and recover from your losses.  Consulting with an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer can make all the difference in whether or not you receive the compensation you deserve.

What To Do After A Car Accident

After a car accident, it is important to remain calm and take certain steps to protect yourself and your rights. The following are important steps to take after a car accident:

1. Check For Injuries

The first step after a car accident is to assess whether you and your passengers have suffered any injuries. If there are any serious injuries, dial 911 to seek medical attention immediately. If there are minor injuries, it is still important to contact a medical provider and make an appointment for a check-up.

2. Contact The Police

It is important to contact the police and let them know about the car accident. The police will take all the car accident details, including names, contact numbers, vehicle information, and insurance details, and create an official report. This official report can be useful when filing a personal injury claim.

3. Exchange Information With Other Drivers

Both drivers involved in a car accident must exchange personal and contact information, such as names, insurance information, and license plate numbers. This information will also be needed when filing a personal injury claim.

4. Take Photographs

Another step after a car accident is to take photographs of the damage to the vehicles, the surroundings, and the accident scene. Taking photos during the accident can help provide evidence to support your claim and make it easier to prove fault and damages.

5. Contact a Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney. The lawyer’s job is to analyze the facts of the case and guide you on how to proceed. The attorney can explain the possible legal options, help you seek justice, and obtain fair compensation.

6. File a Claim

Once all the necessary steps are taken after a car accident, you should file a claim with the insurance company. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure you can receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Do You Know Los Angeles is an Accident Prone City?

According to L.A. Times reporter Laura J. Nelson, drivers in Los Angeles spend on average 81 hours in traffic making it the most traffic-prone city in the United States.  With millions of drivers and multiple distractions in traffic.

What are the various Violations under California Vehicle Code?

Auto accidents usually occur because one or more drivers have been negligent. This is often defined by negligent vehicle operation. Negligence can take on numerous forms such as texting, not paying attention, or driving under the influence.  Sadly Responsible behavior often takes a back seat to distractions which include:.

• Driving more than the speed limit is one of the most common reasons for automobile accidents.
• Failing to pay attention to or obey traffic signals, signs, and other cautionary road notices.
• Forgetting to use directional signals to inform other drivers of a driver’s intent
• Ignoring California laws that prohibit talking on a hand-held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle or texting while driving.
• Driving under the influence of liquor or controlled substances accounts for a large number of daily collisions.

How to Determine Whether You are AT-FAULT  or the VICTIM?

Legal representation is necessary to protect your interests, which is why a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles is necessary. Whether you are the victim or the accused, you need representation that can navigate the legal system, because even if you are the party at fault, you deserve and need help with the determination of fault to address mitigating circumstances. Some circumstances that we explore include:

• Was the other party’s negligence the catalyst that prompted the accident I experienced?
• Was I–or were my passengers–diagnosed as suffering serious physical injuries by medical professionals as a direct result of the traffic accident in question?

A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles is necessary because won’t give you the run-around about your situation and our attorneys are eager to answer any questions you may have about what constitutes negligence and what it means for an injury to be “severe.” If your attorney determines that your accident meets both of these criteria, we will immediately begin building your claim.

What to do when the Insurance Company Calls You?

Before you talk to the insurance company, you need a game plan.  They are going to call you very soon after the accident takes place because once that police report is filed all parties with a vested interest begin to act. It is important to remain silent and wait for a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles as these folks have been trained to intimidate people who make claims. Innocent comments can be convoluted to look like the accident was your fault or used to claim that your injuries aren’t severe. They may even try to pressure you into quickly signing a settlement that is worth far less than you actually deserve, so your best bet is to clam up and treat the insurance company caller as you would a telemarketer. 

Why You Can Rely Upon Pacific Attorney Group?

When it comes to understanding the true costs to a family of any accident, we wrote the book. We are so used to dealing with insurance company representatives, claims adjusters and attorneys on the other side, we have been known to anticipate actions and reactions even before they are presented!  When searching for a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, it is important to choose a law firm that is experienced, knowledgeable, and committed to helping victims receive the justice and compensation they are entitled to. Pacific Attorney Group is prepared to handle a variety of motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents and more.

We have successfully settled a wide variety of cases on behalf of our clients that include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Paralysis and nerve damage

To make sure you are informed about all aspects of your particular case, we maintain a Car Accident FAQ page that our current clients refer to as “invaluable.”  Our initial consultation is free so call us to rely on our expertise. Our experience with accident-related cases is unprecedented. If we don’t think you have a case, we’re not going to pretend you do! We simply don’t operate that way.

How can Pacific Attorney Group help with Your Car Wreck Claim?

At Pacific Attorney Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to those injured in motor vehicle accidents. We represent clients in obtaining the necessary evidence and settlement they deserve. Our attorneys personally know each client’s case, ensuring their rights are protected and they are getting fair compensation.

We also take care of all legal aspects of your case, including paperwork and court proceedings, so you don’t have to worry about those. Our attorneys understand that no two cases are alike, and our goal is to provide individualized and customized legal services tailored to each client’s case.

Our car accident attorney will also help you gather key evidence to support your claim. We work with medical experts and other specialists to obtain the necessary evidence so you get the funds you are entitled to. We solely focus on car accident cases and take pride in helping victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.

You have the Right to Complete Recovery- Los Angeles Car Accident will Fight Aggressively for Your Case

Injured victims of driver negligence have an enforceable right under the law to full and fair compensation for the costs and losses they suffer. Your outcome is directly tied to the experiences of  how well the attorney can pursue their claims through the intricacies of the state civil legal processes. Our car accident car lawyer’s in Los Angeles can advocate for our clients, and help you get what you deserve. 

How to Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

When searching for the best car accident lawyer, do your research and do not settle. You should consider the following when looking for an attorney:

1. Reputation

When looking for an attorney, it is important to review their professional reputation and the reputation of the law firm. Look for an attorney or law firm with experience handling complex car wreck cases and who has successfully helped clients obtain maximum compensation. 

2. Experience

Finding an attorney well-versed in personal injury and motor vehicle accident law is important. It is important to look for an attorney with several years of experience in cases. This will increase the chances of getting the best possible outcome.

3. Legal Fees

Be proactive and understand the legal fees before signing with an attorney or law firm. Most personal injury attorneys take on cases contingently, meaning they will only be paid when they win a settlement. 

4. Reviews

Look for reviews from past clients to get an idea of the attorneys’ performance and customer service. Read customers’ reviews to understand what other people experienced when being represented by an attorney or law firm.

5. Communication

Select an attorney who is available and responsive to your questions and queries. Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles pride themselves on communication and collaboration.

6. Rating

Check the attorneys’ rating with the local Bar Association. This will help you determine if the attorney is experienced, highly rated, and well-respected in the legal industry.

Compensation for Auto Accidents

An accident can be very stressful and questions may arise such as What is my claim worth? What types of expenses may I be able to recover compensation for? Will my insurance policy cover this? Arranging a free case review with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer is necessary to determine compensation claims. Compensation can take on numerous forms such as:

• Medical Treatment: Compensation paid for medical treatment may include any and all medical care that a victim has received in relation to the auto accident. Hospitalization, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, medical supplies and even mileage expenses to get to and from medical appointments may be covered. Future medical care may also be covered if the victim requires ongoing treatment.
• Lost Income: Money paid for lost income in auto accident claims may include any work that a victim has missed because of his or her injuries. It may also include loss of potential earnings if a victim is unable to return to work in the same field or cannot return to work at all. Compensation for lost earnings can make all the difference in helping our clients become whole.
• Property Damage: property damage includes damage to a vehicle and any personal property that was caused in the accident. Compensation for property damage can help a victim get his or her car repaired, may pay for an entirely new vehicle if the car was totaled, and can cover other damage to real property, clothing and more.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refers to compensation that usually falls under the category of non-economic damages, as these injuries cannot be easily quantified. Emotional and psychological trauma, physical pain and other suffering experienced by the victim may be compensable, depending on the case. These damages can be more difficult to obtain, but with the right approach, it may be possible to recover fair compensation for non-economic injuries and losses which is why you need a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
• Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium is another type of compensation that falls under non-economic damages. In some cases, a victim of an auto accident may experience injuries that impact his or her relationship with a spouse, such as an inability to perform sexually. Seeking maximum compensation is of the utmost importance if a victim of an auto accident is to have the best chance of rebuilding and moving on with his or her life.

Personal Injury Representation is a Great Financial Bargain- Discuss Your Case with Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer 

A lawyer from a high-grade firm like Pacific Attorney Group is an absolute necessity for every personal injury plaintiff. Amazingly, the attorney’s invaluable service is available at an incomparable bargain. Most of the best personal injury attorneys offer no-cost initial consultations to gauge the factual merit and potential value of claimant cases. Then they pursue the best results for their clients on contingency terms.

Contingent fees to Pacific Attorney Group are not payable until they succeed in negotiating settlements or winning awards of damages for their clients. From the settlement proceeds or from the amounts awarded by verdicts, attorneys pay off the costs of the litigation, deduct attorney’s fees of typically a fourth to a third of the total recovery, and remit the remainder, usually at least a half of the total, to the clients, who pay no money into the case.

Will my injuries be considered severe? 

The severity of injuries will vary depending on the unique circumstances surrounding the accident, so it is impossible to say how seriously a person may be injured in any one collision.  The tricky thing about auto accidents is that a victim may show no visible injuries but may actually have suffered soft tissue damage, such as whiplash, or may have even experienced bruised ribs, internal organ damage or other injuries that are not immediately visible at the scene. Even if you are only experiencing minor aches and pains, it is important to have a medical professional look you over to ensure nothing is wrong. Inform your doctor that you have been involved in a traffic accident so he or she knows what injuries to look for, and be sure to keep all records related to your visit.

Common Car Accident Injuries

A person who is involved in a car accident may experience various injuries, caused by the force of impact itself, by the airbag striking their face or hands, by the vehicle crumpling in on them, by being ejected from the vehicle, and many other scenarios. The following are some of the types of injuries that a person may experience in a collision:

• Whiplash
• Head trauma
• Brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations (cuts)
• Contusions (bruises)
• Broken bones
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries
• Burns
• Amputation/loss of limb

The Pacific Attorney Group assists and represents clients injured in all kinds of traffic mishaps of all degrees of damage and distress. In all cases, the law firm’s sole concern is complete client recovery from their ordeals.

Types of Car Accidents 

There are well over 7 million motor vehicles registered in Los Angeles County alone, accounting for about 25% of registered vehicles in all of California. Many of these vehicles are what you would call typical passenger cars or sedans. For drivers of this kind of vehicle, the type of accident can make all the difference in the extent of property damage and injury they may experience in a collision. Here we will take a brief look at some of the common types of motor vehicle accidents involving cars:

Car vs. Bicycle Accidents

The end result of a traffic accident involving a car and a bicycle is usually catastrophic – even if the impact occurred at a relatively low speed. A bicycle rider will have little protection against a 3,000-pound car. Even with a helmet and other protective gear, the bicyclist is likely to experience serious injuries that will require emergency medical care. There were 2,076 injury bicycle-involved accidents in the city of Los Angeles; 11 people lost their lives in these collisions.

Car vs. Bus Accidents

Car and bus collisions although rare, can be extremely detrimental.  The size and weight of the bus will mean that the car will be more likely to sustain the brunt of the damage, and the occupants of the car will be more likely to be injured. The bus driver and any passengers on the bus may also be at risk of injury, which makes these accidents determinantal. Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles will help you navigate these complexities.

Car vs. Pedestrian Accidents

There were 100 fatal pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles in 2010 and 2,512 pedestrian-involved accidents that resulted in injuries. A collision involving a car and a pedestrian has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries – most often to the pedestrian.  If you are a victim or involved in a pedestrian accident contact a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.

Car vs. Truck Accidents

A fully-loaded commercial truck may weigh 80,000 pounds or even more with a special permit. When a car weighing only a fraction of that is involved in a collision with a big rig or semi-truck, the results can be deadly. Occupants of a car are far more likely to be injured in an accident than truck drivers. According to National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) truck drivers accounted for less than 7% of truck accident fatalities. Occupants of other vehicles accounted for 80%, and non-occupants (bicyclists, pedestrians, etc.) accounted for about 13%.

SUV and Van Accidents – Auto Accidents Involving Large Vehicles

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) or van, you may have the right to take legal action. An accident lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group may be able to help. An accident may leave you and other parties seriously injured, and it may even lead to the wrongful death of one or more victims.

In these situations, a victim can file a lawsuit against the party responsible for causing the accident in the first place. This may be a drunk driver or a driver who was speeding, texting, or talking on the phone. In some cases, it may be the manufacturer of an auto part or even the local government for poor road maintenance.

Truck vs Car

If you were driving or were the passenger of a car involved in an accident with a large truck, you may have sustained serious injury and may have grounds for a claim against the truck driver or trucking company if there was negligence involved. At Pacific Attorney Group, we represent truck versus car accident victims throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding metro areas. We will be happy to offer you a free consultation to discuss your case and your legal options. When you talk to a Los Angeles car accident lawyer at our firm, you may be surprised to find that you have the opportunity to recover significant compensation for your physical injuries as well as damage to your vehicle and emotional trauma.

Why Truck vs. Car Accidents are Dangerous?

Truck versus car accidents are particularly serious due to two main factors: the size and weight of the large truck versus a typical passenger car and the height of the truck and where it may collide with a car. The larger mass of a semi-truck or big rig places the smaller vehicle, the car, at immediate risk of sustaining catastrophic damage in a collision, according to the laws of physics. 

Rear End Collision

Car accidents are not simple affairs, especially when one or both drivers involved in one get rear-ended. In Los Angeles (L.A.), cameras have been installed in a lot of the traffic lights so as to hold offenders responsible for the traffic laws that they break. The heavy, infamous bumper-to-bumper traffic that permeates the Los Angeles streets and highways is the primary variable in the number of rear-end collisions that happen daily. People follow each other too closely or drive too fast in dense streets, resulting in rear-end collisions. 

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips and rolls over because of a collision or tire blowout. Rollover accidents are more common in vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs or trucks. In any event, rollovers are particularly serious and can result in catastrophic injuries in the event of a roof crush or if the passenger is ejected from the vehicle.

Pile-Ups

A pile-up generally occurs on high-traffic roadways at high speeds, resulting in multiple vehicles colliding. This collision can result in anything from minor car damage, to death. With the possibility of multiple vehicles being involved, car accidents suddenly become harder to handle when it comes to insurance claims. Pile-ups create a confusing cluster of information and possible injury that is ultimately difficult to understand and act upon. You may need a Los Angeles car accident lawyer to help you with your insurance claim, which if done correctly results in the compensation you deserve

Driver’s Negligence 

Did you know that driver negligence is a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), speeding is a contributing factor in about 30% of fatal traffic accidents each year. About 30% of traffic accident fatalities involve a driver who was driving under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater (above the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle). 10% of injury crashes in 2011 were reported as involving a distracted driver. 

Driver negligence can be described as any act or inaction that constitutes a failure to provide proper care in the circumstances. While driving, “proper care” may include obeying traffic laws, paying attention to the road, and being mindful of the safety of oneself and others.  Some forms of negligence include

• Failing to signal before making a turn;
• Composing or reading a text message while driving;
• Applying make-up or using an electric razor while driving;
• Running a red light or stop sign;
• Driving above the posted speed limit;
• Following too closely behind a vehicle;
• Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle that has its sirens on;
• Speeding through a school zone;
• Eating or drinking while driving;
• Failing to properly maintain one’s vehicle, such as driving on worn brakes;
• Driving with broken taillights;
• Using a handheld phone while driving;
• Taking one’s attention off the road to talk to a passenger;
• Drinking and driving;
• Weaving in and out of traffic;
• Driving under the influence of prescription drugs; or
• Falling asleep at the wheel.

The possibilities are endless, and all are potentially deadly. It takes only the smallest act of negligence to cause a serious accident that leaves one or more victims injured – or worse. In 2010, there were more than 50,000 injury auto accidents in Los Angeles County alone. 4,359 of these were deemed “alcohol involved,” and if you consider the national averages for speeding and distraction-related accidents as well, it is easy to see how most of these likely involved some form of driver negligence or wrongdoing.

Los Angeles Auto Accident Statistics

Los Angeles is consistently ranked in the top 10 globally for crowded freeways. Each year over 300,000 people are killed in auto accidents in California and more than 200,000 are injured.  According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Los Angeles County has some of the highest risk factors that increase the probability of being in an accident. There is a high probability that an accident can affect one’s life which is why you need a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Here at Pacific Attorney Group, we leverage the latest technology to help with accident reconstruction, providing you with the expertise and knowledge to navigate a complicated legal system. 

Frequently Asked Questions

2. Determining Fault in a Traffic Accident?

An important aspect of handling a car accident claim is the determination of fault. A car accident may have one or a number of causes, or circumstances that have made the incident happen. Because California implements a fault-based system when it comes to traffic accidents, it will be necessary to discover and prove who or what caused the accident and therefore who should be held legally responsible. The driver or other party who caused the accident can be held accountable for the injuries, economic losses, and property damage that the accident caused.

• In some cases, the fault is clear. In others, it may be difficult to determine at first glance what caused the accident to occur and what party or parties should be held accountable. This is particularly true in complex cases involving large commercial trucks or situations where several vehicles were involved. It may take a thorough investigation and accident reconstruction to determine and prove fault.
• If you were injured in a car accident in California, Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Pacific Attorney Group may be able to help you. Even if you believe you may have been at fault in the accident, you may be surprised to find that an in-depth investigation reveals that another factor was to blame. A poorly designed intersection or defective auto part, for example, could affect even the most responsible driver’s ability to avoid a collision.
• If you are certain that the other driver caused the accident, we can get to work on finding evidence of this. No matter the circumstances surrounding your case, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are prepared to provide quality legal counsel.

3. How Seat Belt Use can Prevent Car Accident Injuries?

Seat belts can prevent fatal auto accident injuries. According to a Traffic Safety Facts report from the NHTSA involving nationwide traffic accidents in 2011:

Seat belts, when used, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and light truck occupants by 60 percent.

A seat belt works by holding a vehicle occupant in place to prevent the force of impact from throwing him or her into the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, door or side window. It also prevents an occupant from being ejected from a vehicle during a rollover or other catastrophic collision. While some people may sustain injuries caused by the seat belt itself as it holds the occupant in place during a collision, the benefits generally outweigh this risk. Wearing a seat belt is required by law, and it may also help you avoid fatal injuries in the event of a collision.

4. What are Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Laws?

In some states, no-fault insurance laws apply to car accidents. This means that fault does not need to be proven and is not even taken into account when an auto insurance policy pays damages to a car accident victim. A victim’s own auto insurance policy will cover his or her injuries, with some exceptions. When a person is seriously injured or killed in a car accident, even states with no-fault insurance laws will allow victims or families of victims to seek additional compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, depending on the case.

In California, your right to sue is protected. Drivers and other negligent parties who cause car accidents are held accountable for their actions. This fault-based system makes determining the cause of an accident one of the most important parts of the legal representation provided by Los Angeles car accident lawyers. 

5. What is California’s Comparable Fault Doctrine?

In a California car accident case, the fault may be shared under the doctrine of comparative fault. This doctrine recognizes the fact that more than one party may be responsible for causing a car accident and therefore may share the blame. If an investigation into an auto accident reveals that one driver (driver A) was 20% to blame and the other driver (driver B) was 80% to blame for the accident, driver B may be considered at fault, for 80% of the damages. If driver A suffered $100,000 in economic and non-economic losses because of the accident, driver B may be held accountable for $80,000.

Because the determination of fault is a complex and important issue under California law, make sure you work with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who has the resources to fully investigate your case. 

Pacific  Attorney Group Los Angeles Car Accident Testimonial

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Notable Areas We Serve Near Los Angeles

• Downtown
• Silver Lake
• Los Feliz
• Santa Monica
• Hollywood
• Beverly Hills
• West Hollywood
• Koreatown
• Venice
• Echo Park
• Brentwood
• Culver City
• Studio City
• Westwood
• Bel Air
• Highland Park
• Hancock Park
• North Hollywood
• Sherman Oaks
• Chinatown
• Encino
• Mid City
• Eagle Rocks
• Pacific Palisades

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