Los Angeles is regarded for its vibrant culture, sprawling freeways, and dense population. As a predominant commuter city with a high number of registered vehicles, it also has one of the highest rates of accidents in the country. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident on the 405 freeway or on the busy streets of Santa Monica, you deserve expert legal support to help you claim the most in compensation for your injuries and car damages. Contact a car accident attorney in Los Angeles like the trusted team at BD&J to review your case and seek justice. We offer exceptional support and push insurance companies for more for our clients.
How a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Your lawyer will start with a thorough investigation of the accident and collect as much evidence as possible to prove your argument. This evidence reflects the events of the accident, the injuries you sustained, and damage that occurred as proof to support your case. This process is important for accurately evaluating how much you deserve for your pain and fighting for fair compensation.
A car accident attorney in Los Angeles can even help you locate the best medical attention possible to recover. Do you need medical specialists or financial assistance to cover expenses while your case is being processed? The attorneys at BD&J will use every resource to prioritize your full recovery. Having worked with accident victims for 20 years, we are well connected in Los Angeles and will ensure you get the care you need. We can also provide funds to help cover your medical expenses while we handle your case.
Attorneys file the necessary legal paperwork and present supporting evidence. They negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to help maximize your compensation. This can be particularly challenging as insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts, but a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles is trained to negotiate aggressively and will fight for fair compensation. Finally, if your case is not able to reach a settlement, they will tirelessly represent you in court.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
After an accident, start by ensuring your safety and wellbeing. If possible, move your car to a safe place out of the way of traffic. Then call 911 and ask for any necessary medical assistance. When the police arrive, provide the requested information and details so they can report the accident. If you can, take notes and photos to document the accident and resulting injuries and damage. Be sure to address ongoing medical needs as delaying medical care can impact your recovery. Remember: stick to the facts when speaking to the police, insurance company, or other driver. Avoid apologies and justifications that could be used to assert your liability for the accident.
Compile documentation regarding the accident, medical care, and property damage. Any evidence you can provide will strengthen your case and help to expedite filing a claim. Next, contact a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles and discuss your case and your legal options. Finally, file a claim with insurance soon after the accident, as there may be timelines required by insurance that can impact your case. A Los Angeles car accident attorney can help guide you on filing with your insurance company if you don’t know where to start.
Top Causes of Los Angeles Car Accidents
Due to the number of drivers and amount of traffic in Los Angeles, accidents happen every day. The circumstances surrounding each accident are unique, but the high rate of accidents can be attributed to a few common causes. The cause of an accident is an important factor in a case, since it shows who is at fault and, therefore, who is responsible for covering your injury and vehicle damage costs. The following are common reasons for car accidents in Los Angeles:
- Intoxicated driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Dangerous road conditions
- Adverse weather conditions
- Vehicle failure
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I Have a Case After a Car Accident?
To determine if you have a case, you can discuss the details with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, like the award-winning team at BD&J. You may have a case if you experienced an injury and property damage because of another person’s negligence. Negligence occurs when someone acts carelessly or recklessly and causes another person harm. However, if an accident occurred regardless of the actions of the other party, you may not have a case. Your attorney can help you determine the extent of the other driver’s liability and how much you could be eligible to claim.
Is California a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
No, the state of California has a fault-based system where the party at fault is responsible for compensating the victim for injuries and damages. California also has a comparative negligence system which allows victims to receive compensation even if they are partially at fault. The amount of compensation is based on the percentage of responsibility each party has in the accident.
How Much Money Can I Get for My Car Accident?
The amount you can claim for a car accident depends on the circumstances of the accident and resulting injuries and damages. A car accident claim can recover anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the injuries, damages, and parties involved. BD&J’s Los Angeles car accident lawyers are skilled in accurately assessing the economic losses from injuries and damages and any non-economic factors after an accident. We’ve proudly recovered more than $2 billion* for our clients. Contact our team to discuss your case and find out how much you can recover.
Who Pays After a Car Accident in California?
After a car accident in Los Angeles, compensation is usually paid by the insurance company of the at fault party. It is required by law for California drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover the economic and non-economic damages incurred in a car accident. What if the accident is caused by vehicle failure? In this case, compensation could be paid by the manufacturer or their insurance.
What Happens If the At Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Even if the other driver does not have insurance, you can still pursue a claim with your insurance company. By law, insurance companies must offer California drivers uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. While you can opt out of UM coverage, it is intended to help in cases where the liable party does not have insurance. These can be tricky cases where it is beneficial to work with the BD&J team of Los Angeles car accident lawyers. Remember: even if you’re filing with your own insurance, they still work to minimize their payout to you. While adjusters seem to be working with you, they could be downplaying your claim significantly. A personal injury attorney can help determine if you’re being treated fairly.
What Do Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Charge?
Most personal injury law firms, like BD&J, only charge contingency fees. This means clients are not charged any upfront fees and agree to a percentage of their recovery which will go toward attorneys fees at the end of their case. Contingency fees often align the goals of the attorney and client because both will seek to recover the absolute maximum amount possible, both for the client’s financial recovery and for the attorneys who work hard on the case.
How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
When the time comes to hire a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you may be overwhelmed by options. Not all attorneys are the same and finding a good lawyer can feel impossible. Follow these steps to help you select a lawyer that works best for you:
- Look for attorneys with experience winning the kind of case you have. For example, find a lawyer who has successfully settled numerous car accident cases.
- Ask for referrals in your network and check reviews from previous clients to understand what it might be like to work with them. Beyond their legal expertise, it can also be helpful to work with a compassionate attorney who is sensitive to the difficulties you have faced. No one wants to be treated as another case number.
- Collect all the evidence and documentation you have to support your case. The primary evidence they are looking for includes the police report, photos and videos from the accident, medical records, and any documentation from talking with insurance companies. Any additional evidence can be helpful when discussing your case with a lawyer. If you’re not sure what evidence can help, the right lawyer will eagerly assist you in collecting evidence rather than dismissing you.
- Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case in detail with a potential lawyer. This is your opportunity to get to know your car accident attorney in Los Angeles and ask questions about your case and their potential strategy.
- Stay connected with your attorney to keep up to date about progress with your case. At BD&J we empower clients to participate in the claim process and will keep you informed and involved throughout your case.
BD&J lawyers have proudly served Los Angeles car accident victims for 20 years and brought in $2 billion* in compensation for clients.
Find out why thousands of California residents have trusted BD&J. Call today to see if you qualify for compensation!
