CAR Accident Lawyer

According to 2019 LAPD crash data, there were nearly 54,000 car accidents. Of those crashes, 236 fatalities were reported. Los Angeles has the highest rate of injury-related and fatal car accidents in the nation. As a car accident lawyer, I have been helping victims for over 30 years. I understand California law and have a lot of experience on how to handle insurance adjusters.

I fight tirelessly to make sure my clients receive the compensation they deserve after a crash. I have helped victims who have suffered serious injuries or death in the following types of crashes:

Rear-End Collisions

This is one of the most common types of collisions my law firm handles. When a driver hits your vehicle from behind, it is almost always their fault. These collisions typically occur because the driver was driving too close, speeding, distracted, or not paying attention to the road. Regardless, it is always important to speak to an experienced car accident attorney to ensure that your legal rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Hit and Run Accidents

California’s problem with hit-and-run accidents is a major concern, particularly for the pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycle riders, and drivers for whom traveling city streets and freeways is a part of daily life. Hit and run drivers must be held accountable for their irresponsible acts but in most cases, police are not able to locate the driver. I always advise my clients of the importance of carrying UM insurance (uninsured/underinsured coverage). This is the insurance on your auto policy that will protect you if you are hit by a driver who leaves the scene.

T-Bone Accidents

T-Bone vehicle collisions usually result in very serious injuries for both drivers and sometimes even death. Typically, this type of crash involves two vehicles traveling at high speeds. The most common cause of T-bone collisions is a failure to yield to oncoming traffic. Who is at fault for this type of accident can depend on several factors so it is recommended to speak to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has experience with these types of cases.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions account for a small percentage of California car accidents each year, however, they are the most serious and often lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Because the survivors of head-on collisions usually require surgery and other extensive medical care, it is a good idea to speak to an attorney that understands all the damages that need to be recovered.

Ridesharing Accidents (ex: Uber & Lyft)

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, have become quite popular over the years. Crashes involving an Uber or Lyft driver raise liability and insurance concerns for everyone involved. Due to the potential complexity, if you are involved in such an accident, it’s important to consult with a California car accident lawyer that has experience with these cases.

Crashes Caused by a Drunk Driver

A crash caused by a drunk driver is not an accident and they need to be held accountable. There were 1,059 people killed in alcohol-impaired collisions in 2016, a 16% increase from 2015. I believe drunk drivers must be held responsible for their actions, in both a criminal and civil court of law.

The Damages You Can Recover After a Los Angeles Car Accident

As I’m sure you already know, insurance adjusters use tactics to try and diminish the value of any car accident claim, regardless if their party was clearly at fault. Remember, even your insurance company is trying to settle a case for the least amount of money even if you weren’t at fault. The bottom line is the insurance adjuster is not your friend.

I have over 30 years of experience dealing with insurance adjusters and getting the compensation my clients deserve after they’ve been in a Los Angeles car accident. I have helped them recover damages from:

Medical Bills

This covers ambulance, emergency room care, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, counseling, disability costs, and future medical care and treatment.

Lost Wages

This includes income lost due to missed work as well as loss wages for the inability to work in the future.

Reduced Earning Capacity

A crash caused by a drunk driver is not an accident and they need to be held accountable. There were 1,059 people killed in alcohol-impaired collisions in 2016, a 16% increase from 2015. I believe drunk drivers must be held responsible for their actions, in both a criminal and civil court of law.

Pain and Suffering

This covers the physical pain, mental, and emotional anguish a car accident victim suffers because of their injuries.

Common Car Injuries

In the 30 years of my practice in Los Angeles, I have represented hundreds of clients who have suffered horrific car accident injuries caused by negligent drivers. Some of these most common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A serious car crash can cause a life-changing brain injury such as concussions, hematomas, lacerations, blood clots, and nerve damage.

Back Injuries

These can include herniated discs, bulging discs, lumbar injuries, cervical injuries, and spinal cord injuries

Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries seen in car crashes but is typically not that serious. Some other neck injuries include sprains, cervical disc injuries, and fractures.

Broken Bones

Unfortunately, any bone can be broken in a car accident but some of the most common ones my law firm has handled are skulls, collarbones, ribs, shoulders, arms, hips, pelvises, legs, and feet.

Internal Injuries

These can include internal bleeding, abdominal injuries, collapsed lungs, and injury to internal organs.

Burn Injuries

Los Angeles vehicle collisions can cause fires and the drivers and passengers can sustain serious burns that will require extensive medical care and often time rehabilitation.

Amputations

An injury to the legs, arms, hands, and feet could be so severe that the doctors may have to have them amputated. These are life-long injuries that affect a car accident victim physically, emotionally, and financially.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

A serious car accident can be a very traumatic experience. So much so that drivers and passengers have a hard time getting in a vehicle again. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression and anxiety are also common emotional injuries after a crash.

Car Accidents that Result in a Wrongful Death

No one ever wants to find out that their loved one’s life was cut short because they were in a car accident caused by a negligent driver. The unexpected loss is devastating and no amount of money will bring them back, however, it can give the family a sense of closure, and California law gives a way for the family to recover from financial and emotional losses that occur after the death of a family member.
In 2017, the California Highway Patrol reported that there were 3,582 fatal crashes and 3,904 people died in those accidents. If your loved one was involved in a fatal crash in Los Angeles caused by someone else, you should consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer who can help you file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for your losses.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

Under California law the following family members are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Surviving spouses
• Children
• Grandchildren but only if the victim’s children are also deceased
• Domestic partners
• Anyone else who would be entitled to the victim’s estate if they died without a will

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Fatal Car Accident in California?

• Any unpaid medical bills related to the fatal car accident
• Any financial support the victim was contributing to the family (loss of income and insurance benefits)
• Anticipated loss of financial support to each family member
• Funeral and burial expenses;
• Loss of companionship and emotional support

I Help Los Angeles Car Accident Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve

Being a victim of a Los Angeles car accident is overwhelming. First and foremost you must seek medical attention if you’ve been injured. You will probably ask yourself what you should do after that? Do I need to hire a lawyer? Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance adjuster? Do my injuries warrant filing a California car accident claim? If so, what damages can I actually recover?
After 30 years of helping clients reclaim their lives after a car accident, I’m dedicated to providing everyone the information they need to answer these difficult questions and helping car accident victims recover from their injuries. For a free consultation, please call me at 424-901-1234.