Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer 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 Los Angeles car accident lawyer who understands the complexity of the legal system is instrumental.

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.

Car culture is a part of Los Angeles culture. People love their cars here and spend a lot of time driving. According to L.A. Times reporter Laura J. Nelson, drivers in L.A. spend an average of 81 hours in traffic regularly. When millions of drivers are spending that much time in traffic there’s going to be accidents. If you were in a car accident in Los Angeles, you need a Los Angeles car accident lawyer.

A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA can help you file a claim and fight for money for damages, medical bills, and other expenses caused by the accident. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer knows California and Los Angeles traffic laws and can help you negotiate a fair settlement.

Traffic Accidents In Los Angeles Are Common

Did you know that the city of Los Angeles has some of the most crowded freeways in the entire world? It’s true. Los Angeles was ranked in the top 10 worst cities for traffic. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there are more than 300,000 deaths every year in Los Angeles caused by auto accidents. And another 200,000 people are injured in car accidents in L.A. every year.

The Most Common Types Of Car Accidents In Los Angeles

If someone can drive it, it’s probably on the roads in L.A. That’s why there are so many different types of car accidents that happen in Los Angeles. The most common car accidents in Los Angeles are:

1. Head On Collisions

Head-on collisions, or frontal collisions, occur when two cars are traveling in opposite directions, and one crosses the center line, hitting the front of the other car. Head-on collisions usually cause a car’s airbags to deploy. Airbags save lives, but they can also cause injuries. Head and neck injuries are very common in head-on collisions. So are broken bones that can take months to heal.

2. Side Impact Collisions

Side impact collisions occur when one car hits either the passenger side or driver side of a car. Usually, these types of accidents happen at intersections, like when a car is trying to turn left but another car comes through the intersection at the same time. Side-impact collisions cause the full force of the car to hit either the driver or the passenger, potentially causing serious injuries.

3. Rear End Collisions

Anyone who has ever driven on the 405 knows how common rear-end collisions are. Chances are you’ve probably had a read-end collision trying to merge during rush hour or trying to drive in downtown L.A. Read-end collisions happen when one car runs into the back of the car in front of it. Slippery roads can cause rear-end collisions. So can traffic slowdowns. But most often, they occur when a driver brake-checks another driver. That’s why it’s important to always stay at least a car’s length away from other drivers.

The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Los Angeles, CA

Anyone can have an accident while they are driving. Even people who are normally careful drivers can have a bad day and get into an accident. But the most common causes of car accidents in Los Angeles are:

Weather

Even though most of the time it’s sunny in L.A., when it does rain it always causes a lot of accidents. Driving in the rain safely means that people need to slow down, pay more attention to their driving, and start stopping early because it takes extra time for a car to stop on wet asphalt. Anyone who is driving in the rain or just after a rain should be very careful on the roads.

Mechanical Failure

When drivers don’t take care of their vehicles it can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents. A dead battery can mean a car gets stuck in the middle of the road and becomes a hazard for other drivers. Old brake pads and rotors can make it impossible for a driver to stop in time to avoid hitting another car.

There are all kinds of mechanical problems that can happen to drivers. Drivers who have a problem with their cars should always pull over to the side of the road or push their cars to the side of the road to lower the risk of an accident.

Speeding

Speeding is one the leading causes of accidents in Los Angeles, and it is one of the leading causes of driving fatalities every year. Los Angeles drivers shouldn’t speed if they want to avoid a potentially lethal accident.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can be caused by many things. Being on the phone, even with a hands-free device, is a major distraction for drivers. Listening to loud music, eating and drinking, putting on makeup, looking for a parking spot, brushing hair, being fatigued, and driving with too many passengers are all distractions that can lead to accidents. Drivers should try to minimize distractions when they drive and pay close attention to what the cars around them are doing at all times.

Not Obeying Traffic Signs

Even though some drivers treat traffic signs as if they are options, they are not. Drivers should always pay attention to posted traffic signs and traffic lights to be safe on the road. Running red lights, or even yellow lights, can be deadly. Failing to yield, failing to merge, not understanding the rules of a rotary, making illegal turns, going the wrong way down a one-way street, and ignoring other traffic rules are all things drivers do that can cause accidents.

DUI

Driving under the influence of any substance, even legal substances, is illegal and can result in serious consequences. Unfortunately, too many drivers have a few drinks or indulge in other substances and then get behind the wheel. Drivers who are under the influence cause serious injuries to other drivers and pedestrians. In 2018 there were more than 4,500 arrests in Los Angeles for driving under the influence.

The Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Los Angeles, CA

Injuries caused by a car accident can range from simple bruises to loss of limbs, burns, and other serious injuries. Often the extent of the injuries depends on factors like the speed the vehicle was going and where it was hit, along with what hits it. Some of the common injuries caused by car accidents in Los Angeles are:

Amputation
Arm and leg injuries
Back injury
Bone fracture
Bruises and road rash
Burns
Chest injuries
Concussion
Crush injuries
Disfiguring facial injuries and scars
Foot and ankle injuries
Fractures and broken bones
Internal bleeding
Internal injuries
Knee injuries
Lacerations
Limb loss and amputation
Lower extremity injury
Merging accidents
Neck injuries
Neck injuries and whiplash
PTSD
Paralysis (quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia)
Rollover accidents
Shoulder injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis (quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia)
Sprains, strains, bruising, and other damage to muscles, tendons, and
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Upper extremity injury
Whiplash
Wrist and hand injuries

The Costs Of Recovery

It can take a long time to recover physically after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’re your injuries are very serious. Very often, someone who has just been in a car accident won’t feel the full impact of their injuries right away because they are experiencing a rush of adrenalin. When the adrenalin wears off, the pain and severity of the injuries become apparent.

Some injuries get more severe with time. Even minor injuries can mean that you need to take time off from work to heal or to attend physical therapy or medical appointments. While insurance typically covers a lot of the costs associated with medical injuries caused by a car injury, you could still have to pay out of pocket for costs like:

• Physical therapy
• Co-pays for medical appointments
• Insurance deductible
• Lost wages for time off work
• Medical equipment like canes, walkers, or crutches
• Plastic surgery for burns or disfiguring injuries
• Medication co-pays or costs of medications not covered by insurance
• Over-the-counter medical supplies
• Your monthly rent or mortgage and other expenses if you’re not able to work

Getting medical attention right away after an accident will establish a timeline of your injuries and document that you were injured in the accident. Get treatment for all of your injuries, and continue to follow up on treatment if necessary.

What You Should Do Immediately After A Car Accident

After a car accident, you are probably going to be shaky, a little confused, and stunned. But you do need to take action right after the accident to make sure that you have everything you need to file a claim. The steps to take after a car accident in Los Angeles are:

Get Medical Help

Call for medical help. Even if you don’t think that you are seriously injured. You will need documentation of your injuries, and you will need to show that you sought medical help in a timely fashion to prove your claim. Always call emergency services for medical help after an accident.

Call the Police

While you’re waiting for EMS to show up, call the police. You will need to file a police report as a record of the accident. The police will investigate to find out who is at fault for the accident. If you are found to be not liable for the accident, you will likely be able to recover monetary damages from the other party.

If you are found responsible or partially responsible for the accident, you still may be eligible to receive damages depending on the nature of the accident. You need to call the police so they can start their investigation of the accident.

If the other driver doesn’t wait for the police and leaves the scene of the accident, try to get the car’s license plate if you don’t have the driver’s name and information. The police can use the license plate information to find the driver.

Exchange Information

You and the other driver will need to exchange information. Never admit fault. That includes saying things like, “I didn’t see you.”, or “I didn’t mean to hit you.” Never say anything that could be used to indicate you were at fault for the accident. Just ask for the other driver’s name, phone number, address, and insurance information.

Gather Evidence

It’s also important that you gather whatever evidence you can at the time of the accident. Take photos and videos of the site of the accident from every angle. Getting multiple points of view and angles is important because that can help the police reconstruct how the accident happened.

If there were witnesses, you should get their contact information and ask them to give a statement. The best way to get their statements is to take a short video with your smartphone. Have them say their name and contact information then describe what they saw.

File an Accident Report

When the police come, they will take your statement and the other driver’s statement to create an accident report. You will need to file that report to document the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You should also call your insurance company right away. They will send an adjuster out to see the damage to your car, look at the accident scene, and take down information that the insurance company can use to document the accident and investigate who was at fault.

Call an Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

If you are involved in an accident in Los Angeles, call a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, immediately. An experienced car accident lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a claim. They can also help you negotiate a settlement or fight for you in court if necessary. Working with a skilled car accident attorney in L.A. is the best way to make sure that you get all of the damages you’re entitled to after a car accident.

Follow All Medical Recommendations

If the doctor prescribes additional therapy, medication, or future doctor visits it’s important to follow up on all the doctor’s recommendations. You will need to show that you followed up on all medical appointments and treatments that the doctor wanted you to have to show that you are making a good-faith effort to recover from your injuries.

What Does A Car Accident Lawyer Do?

The best way to make sure that you get any damages that you’re entitled to because of a car accident is to work with a qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyer. Most people don’t know the laws that apply to car accidents, and they don’t know how to negotiate with insurance companies.

That’s ok. They’re not supposed to know those things. However, working with a car accident lawyer who has studied California law and has experience negotiating with insurance companies means that you can rely on their skill and expertise to help you get everything you should get after a car accident. Some of the things that a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA will do for you are:

Investigate

A car accident lawyer will look at the evidence you gathered, the police report that was filed, the insurance report, and other evidence to help determine what happened. Then, they will create a narrative showing the entire timeline of the accident. This will help you make your case by making the circumstances of the accident clear.

Prove Who Was At Fault

Through the evidence collected your car accident lawyer will craft a narrative that shows clearly what happened and who caused the accident. When it comes to determining damages who is at fault for the accident is very important. Having an attorney who specializes in personal injury law will make it easier for you to prove who caused the accident.

Build A Cohesive Case

Telling the story of what happened isn’t enough to guarantee that you will get all of the damages that you’re entitled to. You need to show that the accident directly caused your injuries. And then you need to show that the injuries directly caused you to lose money or the ability to work. A Los Angeles car accident attorney can help you create a cohesive case and present it to the insurance companies or the judge to help you get all of the money you should get.

Negotiate For You

Insurance companies don’t want to have to pay out money. So, they have teams of very skilled negotiators who try to negotiate down the cost of settlements for accidents. Chances are that you don’t have the kind of negotiation skills that can stand up to the insurance company’s team of negotiators. But a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA does. A car accident attorney who has argued hundreds of personal injury cases knows how to be a tough negotiator and get you a fair settlement.

Represent You In Court

If it’s necessary to go to court because of the accident a skilled attorney can represent you in court. They will fight for your interests to make sure that your story is heard.

Be There For You At Every Step

Going through the process of filing a claim and negotiating a settlement isn’t easy. It’s confusing, and it can be emotionally tough. An experienced car accident attorney will be there for you at every step of the process. They can explain each step to you, make sure you understand what your rights are, and fight for you when it matters most.

How Much Does A Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Cost is a big concern for many people after a car accident in Los Angeles. There are a lot of expenses related to a car accident, and it’s common for people to struggle to get back on their feet. But you shouldn’t let cost prevent you from seeking out a Los Angeles car accident lawyer.

Car accident lawyers in Los Angeles, CA work on a contingency basis. That means that you never have to pay anything upfront to talk with a car accident lawyer. Your car accident lawyer will only get paid if you are granted a settlement.

The attorney will receive a portion of the settlement cost at the end of the case. Sometimes the cost of the lawyer’s contingency can be built into the settlement, so it actually costs you nothing.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Los Angeles, call us today to speak with a skilled Los Angeles car accident. There’s no up-front cost to you, and our attorneys can work with you to get a fair settlement for your injuries.

Understanding Driver’s Negligence

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.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Car Accident Claims

Q1. 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 several 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.

Q2. 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.

Q3. 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 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 a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. 

Q4. 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. 

5 Hazardous Los Angeles Intersections: Where Accidents Happen Most and Why

According to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), Los Angeles County has the highest accident rate and the most fatal vehicle accidents in California. It leads California in vehicle and truck accidents, with an average of 1,000 to 1,500 traffic crashes weekly.

In 2022, for instance, 312 persons lost their lives in car crashes, surpassing the 300 for the first time in over two decades. The high number of fatalities marked a 6% rise from the previous year and a striking 29% increase compared to 2020.

The TIMS annual report for 2023 revealed 40,717 accidents, averaging about 111 traffic collisions per day. Most crashes occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. Monday to Saturday and Sundays from 12:00 a.m. to 2:59 a.m.

Los Angeles is known to have heavy traffic and dangerous intersections. Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are thus urged to stay more vigilant. 

Here are five of the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, along with their accident statistics:

Sherman Way and Sepulveda Boulevard

The intersection of Sherman Way and Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys is considered the most dangerous in Los Angeles for drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. The Crosstown LA 2019 research report showed that the intersection recorded 47 collisions, the highest number for any intersection in the city.

Here are some factors contributing to this intersection’s high accident rate. 

• It features 16 lanes of traffic converging in a busy commercial area, leading to significant congestion. 
• It is proximal to a significant on-ramp to the I-405 freeway, increasing traffic volume.
• Drivers drive at a high rate of speed, increasing the risk of car crashes.
• The area is surrounded by strip malls, attracting many pedestrians. 

The combination of heavy vehicle traffic, pedestrian activity, and reckless drivers creates a hazardous environment for all road users.

The intersection is part of the High Injury Network (HIN. It is recognized as a hotspot for serious accidents involving motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, hence the need to prioritize safety improvements in the area.

Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard

Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard in Northridge is a busy intersection between Highway 118 and California State University, Northridge (CSUN). It records heavy traffic from university students, highway commuters, and shoppers visiting nearby centers.

This intersection is considered one of California’s most dangerous, with 108 accidents reported over 10 years.

Although the speed limit is 40 mph, many drivers exceed it, often reaching freeway-like speeds of up to 55 mph. Overspeeding creates significant risks for the area’s motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Burbank Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard

The intersection of Burbank Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys is among the most hazardous in Los Angeles for drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. According to Crosstown, LA, this intersection experienced 40 collisions in 2019, ranking it third-most dangerous in the city.

The following are some factors contributing to this intersection’s high accident rate. 

• The intersection has multiple lanes in each direction, causing congestion and thus increasing the chances of collisions, particularly during rush hours.
• Overspeeding is also a significant issue at this intersection thus increasing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
• The location is surrounded by commercial establishments, which attract significant pedestrian activity.

The combination of high traffic volume, excessive speeds, and significant pedestrian presence makes Burbank Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard a critical area of concern for traffic safety in Los Angeles.

Manchester Avenue and Figueroa Street

Manchester Avenue and Figueroa Street intersection in the Vermont Knolls neighborhood is among the most dangerous in Los Angeles for drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. 

In 2020, this intersection experienced 11 accidents, including rollover, head-on, rear-end, sideswipe, and T-bone collisions, with one involving a bicycle, according to the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).

The following factors contribute to the high accident rate at this intersection.

• Manchester Avenue and Figueroa Street are major access roads handling daily traffic volumes.
• High speed is one of the factors that cause collisions in the area.
• The area has a dense population with numerous businesses and residential buildings, leading to significant pedestrian activity.
• The streets have multiple lanes and complex traffic signals that can confuse motorists at the intersection.

The intersection is listed as one of the most hazardous, so enhanced traffic safety measures are needed to protect all road users.

Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard

The intersection of Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard in Downey is among the most hazardous in Los Angeles for drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

In 2015, for instance, the intersection had 36 crashes, resulting in 32 injuries, but no one was killed in the crashes.

Here are some factors contributing to this intersection’s high rate of crashes.

• The boulevards have multiple lanes, causing traffic congestion in the area.
• The intersection has a complex design and can confuse drivers, increasing the probability of collisions. 
• The area has a large population and numerous commercial buildings attracting pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Speeding and aggressive driving also significantly increase the risks at this intersection.

It is recognized as one of the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, so improved traffic safety measures are urgently needed to protect everyone on the road.

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

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