Injured in a Car Accident? Talk to Us Before the Insurance Company Does.
Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer | Millions Recovered for Clients
Overwhelmed after a car accident in LA? Take a deep breath—you’re not alone. Our experienced car accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. One call can start your path to recovery.
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How Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers Ensure You Get Results
Were you seriously injured in a car accident in Los Angeles? A skilled car accident attorney can protect your rights and help you achieve maximum compensation. Our Los Angeles-based attorneys have decades of experience defending car accident victims’ rights.
Steps our attorneys take to secure your case’s success:
- Review the details of your case & identify all responsible parties
- Gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf
- Ensure you reach maximum medical improvement
- Outline the types of compensation owed to you
- Ensure the insurance company’s offers reflect the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement amount and file a lawsuit if negotiations fail
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At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we take on insurance giants and powerful corporations—and win. Our top-rated Los Angeles car accident lawyers have secured millions for injury victims, ensuring they get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Motor Vehicle Collisions: Leading Cause of Accidental Injuries in L.A.
Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries in our region. Annually, about 63,000 people in Los Angeles County are treated for motor vehicle injuries, with nearly 7,000 hospitalized. Serious crashes can be life-threatening, with an average of 3,661 fatalities statewide and 722 in Los Angeles County each year.
A new report has identified some of the deadliest roads in California, highlighting stretches that are particularly hazardous.
In the Los Angeles metro area, while having a high population density, the deadliest stretches include parts of I-605, SR-22, and I-5. Specifically, the I-605 from Exit 5B to Firestone Blvd in Norwalk/Cerritos and SR-22 through Garden Grove are notable for their high fatality rates.
Stretches of 15, 10 and 5 freeways in SoCal among the deadliest roads in the state, report says.
Traffic Accidents in Los Angeles for 2023
Traffic Fatalities: According to data provided by the LAPD, in 2023, Los Angeles recorded 337 traffic-related deaths, marking the highest number in over two decades.
This represents an 8% increase compared to last year and an alarming 81% increase since the inception of the Vision Zero program in 2015.
Comparison to Homicides: Tragically, traffic fatalities in Los Angeles have surpassed homicide numbers. In 2023, there were 337 traffic deaths compared to 258 homicides, highlighting the severity of road safety issues.
As illustrated in the chart above, Los Angeles experienced a significant increase in traffic-related fatalities for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.
Contact us today at (213) 985-1120 to learn how our personal injury lawyers can help you.
6 Steps to Follow After a Car Crash
Knowing what steps to take after a car accident can protect your car accident claim and your recovery from your injuries.
STEP 1
Assess Yourself for Injuries
After a car accident, avoid moving to prevent worsening your injuries. If you’re seriously hurt, seek medical help first, then contact a personal injury attorney.
STEP 2
Find Somewhere Safe
If you are not seriously hurt, you can drive the car to the roadside, where you are safe from other road users. However, car accident attorneys would advise you to leave it at the scene of the accident to avoid tampering with the evidence.
STEP 3
Call the Police
Call the police, especially if the accident resulted in injuries, death, or property damage over $1000. If there are no injuries and the damage to the vehicles is minor, a police officer is not required to file a report.
STEP 4
Collect Information & Evidence
Gather contact information, insurance policy number, model of the car, and license plates. Take photos of the accident and collect witness statements.
STEP 5
Seek Medical Attention
Get examined by a doctor even if you think you might be uninjured. Serious injuries may not be immediately noticeable after a crash.
STEP 6
Inform Your Insurer
Call your insurance representative to start processing your claim. The insurance company will tell you exactly what they'll need to get the process started.
Safeguard Your Insurance Claim
What Not to Do After a Car Crash
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps to secure your insurance claim. Certain actions can jeopardize your claim, making it harder to receive the compensation you deserve. Avoid common pitfalls that could negatively impact your insurance claim; avoid the following:
DON'T: Leave the Scene
Never leave the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Leaving the scene can be considered a hit-and-run.
DON'T: Fail to Report the Traffic Collision
Always report the accident to the police and your insurance company. A police report creates an official record of the event. Failing to notify your insurer could violate your policy terms, leading to a denial of your claim. In addition, if someone was injured, or killed, or property damage is over $1,000, you must also submit an SR-1 report to the DMV.
DON'T: Neglect to Review Your Insurance Policy
Understand the details of your insurance policy. Know your coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions that apply. Not knowing your policy can lead to problems when you make claims.
DON'T: Admit Fault
Avoid discussing fault at the accident scene with other drivers or the police. Even casual apologies can imply an admission of liability. The police and insurance adjusters will investigate the incident thoroughly to determine fault.
DON'T: Provide a Recorded Statement Without Preparation
Be cautious when your insurance company requests a recorded statement. Providing one immediately is not an obligation. You can request time to prepare. Consult with a lawyer to ensure that your statement is accurate and does not accidentally damage your claim.
DON'T: Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often offer a quick settlement that may not be enough to cover all your damages and medical expenses. Always review the offer with a legal advisor. Accepting the first offer can lead to money issues later. This is especially true if your recovery takes longer than expected.
DO: Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident, damages, road conditions and signs. Also, collect contact information from witnesses. Lack of evidence can weaken your claim and affect the outcome of your compensation.
DO: Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Delaying medical care can not only worsen your condition but also make it harder to prove that your injuries were a result of the accident.
DO: Get a Free Case Evaluation
Did you know you can get a free case evaluation after a car accident? If you’ve been injured, speaking with a qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyer can make all the difference. Many people assume their insurance company will take care of everything—only to find out the hard way that insurers prioritize their own profits, not their best interests. A legal consultation can help you understand your rights and maximize your compensation.
Main Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Los Angeles
Auto accidents are all too common in greater Los Angeles. This is, perhaps, because no one seems to walk in the city. On any given day, in any given hour in Southern California, virtually everyone is on wheels.
Heavy traffic in Los Angeles leads to frequent car crashes. A wide range of factors can cause these traffic collisions. The major ones are:
Negligence +
Distracted Driving +
Driving Under the Influence +
Disobeying the Speed Limit +
Aggressive Driving +
Reckless Driving +
Dangerous Road Conditions +
Disregard for Traffic Signs +
Drowsy Drivers +
Intersection Maneuvers +
Alcohol +
Road Rage +Proving Negligence: The Key to Winning Your Los Angeles Car Accident Claim
Establishing negligence in a car accident is an important step for determining legal liability and securing compensation for damages.
Simply put, negligence is when someone acts unreasonably and causes you to get injured.
To prove negligence in a Los Angeles car accident claim, you must establish these four key elements:
- Duty of Care – The other driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely and follow California traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to uphold that duty by speeding, running a red light, driving distracted, or violating traffic laws.
- Causation – Their negligence directly led to the car accident and your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered financial and personal losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage.
Negligence
Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. It happens when someone acts carelessly—or fails to act—causing an accident or injury that a responsible person would have prevented.
Liability
Liability means being legally responsible for something—typically an accident or injury. If your actions (or failure to act) cause harm to someone else, you may be required to pay damages or face legal consequences.
What to Expect in the Car Accident Claim Process
Knowing what to expect in the car accident claim process is beneficial for your financial and medical recovery. Here is an overview of the claim process:
Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation
We offer a free consultation to discuss your accident and evaluate your potential claims. During this meeting, we'll assess your case strength based on your injuries, who was at fault, and the damages you've suffered. We'll explain your legal options in clear, straightforward terms and outline the next steps we recommend taking.
Investigation & Gathering Evidence
Our team will collect all necessary evidence to build your case, including police reports, medical records, and statements from witnesses. We'll review accident scene photos, any available video footage, and document all vehicle damage. For more complex cases, we may consult with experts like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to strengthen your claim.
Filing the Insurance Claim
We'll handle notifying the at-fault party's insurance company and submit all required documents on your behalf. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, and any other supporting evidence. Our team will deal directly with insurance adjusters and negotiate initial settlement offers, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your compensation.
Medical Treatment & Recovery
During this time, you'll continue receiving necessary medical care to treat your injuries and create documentation of their extent. We'll work with your doctors to obtain detailed reports about your condition and long-term outlook. We'll also explain how medical liens might affect your case and help you understand these financial obligations.
Settlement Negotiations
We'll calculate the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation based on this assessment. We'll reject inadequate offers and respond with well-supported counteroffers, always keeping you informed and involved in decisions.
Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If negotiations don't result in a fair settlement, we may recommend filing a lawsuit. This begins a more formal legal process that includes discovery, where both sides exchange information and take depositions. Before proceeding to trial, we'll explore options like mediation or arbitration which might resolve your case more quickly.
Trial & Verdict (If No Settlement Reached)
If your case goes to trial, our seasoned trial lawyers will present your evidence before a judge or jury, examining witnesses and making compelling arguments on your behalf. The court will determine who was liable and how much compensation is appropriate. Either side may appeal the decision if they believe legal errors occurred during the proceedings.
Receiving Compensation
Once your case settles or a verdict becomes final, you'll receive compensation typically within 2-6 weeks. We'll explain the timeline for payment and handle the disbursement process. We'll also resolve any outstanding medical liens and deduct our pre-agreed legal fees before transferring your portion of the settlement directly to you.
How Is the Value of a Car Accident Claim Calculated?
The value of your car accident claim in Los Angeles depends on the severity of your injuries, property damage, and overall losses. Generally, the more significant the injuries and financial impact, the higher the claim’s value.
- The severity of your injuries
- Your ability to return to work
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Emotional & psychological suffering
- Your level of fault in the accident
- The need for long-term medical care or physical therapy
In California, car accident victims can seek compensation for physical, nonphysical, and even punitive damages. Understanding these factors can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Medical Bills
If your incident results in injuries, your claim should cover the cost of emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, medical equipment, medical treatment, and physical or rehabilitative therapy.
Loss of Wages
If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can claim lost wages. If they result in a permanent disability affecting your income, you can also claim future income loss or diminished earning capacity.
Punitive Damages
Traffic collisions can affect both, victims and families. Non-monetary claims cover emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
Recovering Maximum Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Injured in a car accident in Los Angeles? Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, support your family, and move forward.
Insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize your payout. Don’t face them alone. As the victim, you deserve dedicated legal representation without the stress of battling insurers. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers fight aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Why Choose Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys?
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is stressful and overwhelming. With so much at stake, having the right Los Angeles car accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
Our law firm operates on a contingent fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case, ensuring our interests are fully aligned with achieving the best possible outcome for you.
We have a passion for justice, as evidenced by our case results.
Contact us directly with any specific questions about your case. We are ready to get started working on your behalf right away.
About El Dabe Ritter’s Car Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
Our team, boasting over 50 years of combined experience, has successfully represented clients in auto accident cases throughout Los Angeles County and beyond. We’ve secured over $75 million for our clients and continue to fight for fair compensation with skill and professionalism.
Featured Los Angeles Traffic Collision Cases
Our results speak for themselves. Here are just a few examples of the compensation we’ve recovered for our clients:
$1.2 million settlement
Rear-end collision
$1.8 million jury verdict
Auto Accident
$6.3 million settlement
DUI Car Accident
How El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers Will Help You
With decades of experience helping car accident victims in Los Angeles, we understand the stress, pain, and uncertainty you’re facing.
Our dedicated team fights to hold negligent parties accountable and maximize your compensation. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Review Your Case
Unsure about your legal options? Not sure if you have a case? We’ll review your accident, answer all your questions, and provide clear next steps—all at no cost to you.
Investigate & Strategize
Confused about who's at fault? Struggling with insurance companies? We’ll handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Ensure Maximum Medical Recovery
Worried about medical bills? Struggling to get proper treatment? We’ll connect you with top doctors and fight for the compensation you need to recover fully.
Negotiate for Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. We won’t let that happen. Our team fights aggressively to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Time is limited to file your claim. Don’t wait—speak to a lawyer now! We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Car Accident FAQs
If I’m Partially At-Fault for The Traffic Collision, Can I Still Make a Claim?
Yes, you can still make a claim even if you are partially at-fault for an traffic collision. In California, the rule of comparative negligence applies when more than one person is at fault in a car accident.
This means that if you’re involved in an accident and partially to blame, you can still receive money for your damages, but it will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for an accident and the total damages are $10,000, you would receive $7,000. Understanding this rule can be crucial in ensuring you are fairly compensated for any losses you endure due to a car accident.
Can Undocumented Immigrants File a Car Accident Claim?
Yes, undocumented immigrants have the right to file a claim for damages sustained in a car accident. In California, the law protects all drivers, regardless of immigration status. This includes the right to seek compensation for injuries and damages without fear of deportation or penal action due to their legal status.
How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in Los Angeles?
Most car accident lawyers in Los Angeles work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only receive payment if you win your case. Typically, the fee ranges from 33% to 40% of the settlement amount.
How Long Does A Car Accident Claim Take?
Car accident claims involving severe injuries like amputation can take months to resolve. Brain damage cases often require expert witnesses, prolonging the legal process significantly. Ambulance records and medical documentation play crucial roles in determining claim duration.
The duration of a car accident claim can vary widely depending on several factors, such as:
- The difficulty of the case
- Clarity of fault,
- Extent of the injuries and damages
- Responsiveness of the insurance companies
Typically, a straightforward case might settle in a few months. More complex cases involving severe injuries and disputed liabilities can take a year or more to resolve.
Can You File a Traffic Collision Claim After a Hit-and-Run?
Yes, you can file a claim after a hit-and-run accident. If the driver who hit you flees, you can make a claim under your own vehicle insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage compensates you for personal injury when the other driver is unknown or uninsured.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Yes, consult with a lawyer after a Los Angeles accident, especially if the crash wasn’t your fault. A lawyer can advocate for you in the following areas:
- Assess the damages
- Deal with the insurance companies
- Handle all legal aspects of your claim
- Determine fault
- Negotiate for maximum payout
- Take the case to trial
What are Punitive Damages?
In California, punitive damages are a special type of compensation awarded in some car accident cases. These are not meant to cover your medical bills or property damage but are instead designed to punish the person who caused the accident if their actions were especially harmful or reckless.
For example, if a driver was excessively speeding or driving under the influence, a court might order them to pay punitive damages. This is to send a clear message that such dangerous behavior on the roads will not be tolerated and aims to deter similar actions in the future.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?
Generally, it’s not advisable to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer. These initial offers are often low, designed to save the company money. It’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case’s true value and negotiate for a fair settlement.
What Evidence do I Need to Prove Fault in a Car Accident?
To prove fault in a car accident, gather police reports, witness testimony, photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage, medical records, and any available video footage. These pieces of evidence help establish the circumstances and responsibility for the collision.
How do Car Accident Lawyers Work?
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyes, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers fight for victims of serious vehicle collisions. We start with a free consultation to asses your case. If we take your case, we launch a thorough investigation to establish liability and calculate the full extent of your damages.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.
Our priority is always our clients’ best interests, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
Get Help From A Trusted Car Accident Attorney Today!
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys go above and beyond to protect the rights and interests of seriously injured victims. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a car accident, we are more than ready to help.
Articles and Resources
- What to Do When Your Car Accident Claim Exceeds Insurance Policy Limits
- Auto Accident Attorney Fees: What You Need to Know
- Common Los Angeles, CA Car Accident Injuries
- How Car Insurance Lawyers Can Help Overcome Denied Claims
- Legal Assistance with a Wrongful Death Claim
- How do I know if I’ll need a lawyer to help me with my case?
Steps to Take After a Car Accident Infographic
Too much to remember? Here’s a quick guide to what you should do after a car accident in Los Angeles.
