Los Angeles is known for its snarling traffic jams and the many accidents that come with them. Crashes can happen anytime, anywhere when you’re driving in Los Angeles, and they can have catastrophic results, including expensive medical bills and painful injuries. Your chances of recovering fair compensation are much lower without an attorney’s help.
Dordick Law Corporation has represented area car accident victims for nearly 40 years and recovered substantial compensation for people like you. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers can handle the legal work in your case while you rest and heal. We’ve earned rave reviews from our clients and will make the legal process as painless as possible for you. You don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation. Call (310) 551-0949 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
You’re likely facing significant challenges after a crash, including painful injuries, missed work, and a damaged car. On top of that, insurance companies often pressure you to settle quickly for far less than your claim is worth.
To make matters worse, you might not even know the full cost of your injuries yet. Medical bills add up fast, and some injuries take time to show up. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that hurt your case.
That’s where we come in. At Dordick Law Corporation, we know how to deal with insurance companies and fight for your rights. We can handle the legal paperwork, investigate the crash, and gather evidence to build a strong claim. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult insurer or don’t know what steps to take next, we’re here to help.
Why Choose Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers?
Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for car accident victims in Los Angeles. For example, we secured $13.5 million for a client injured in a rear-end collision involving a commercial vehicle. In another case, we obtained a $15 million settlement from the City of Los Angeles for an 11-year-old girl hit by a car at a dangerous intersection. That case required us to overturn a trial court decision and fight through the California Supreme Court.
Furthermore, our team has over 35 years of experience and has handled over 150 jury trials. We approach each case with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to personalized representation. Limiting the number of cases we accept helps every client receive the focus and dedication they deserve.
Common Causes of Los Angeles Car Accidents
Most Los Angeles car crashes involve careless or unsafe behavior by drivers or others with a responsibility to prevent collisions. Some common car accident causes include:
- Distracted Driving – Distractions like texting, using navigation devices, or snacking take a driver’s attention off the road and often cause crashes.
- Speeding – Driving too fast reduces drivers’ reaction times and makes collisions more likely. Higher speeds also increase the force of crashes, making catastrophic injuries more likely.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs – Drivers who disobey traffic signals can easily collide with cars crossing intersections from different directions.
- Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol or drug use slows drivers’ reflexes and impairs their judgment, putting everyone on the road in danger.
- Tailgating – Following too closely gives drivers less time to stop, which often leads to rear-end crashes.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Drivers who fail to signal or check their blind spots before changing lanes frequently cause side-swipe accidents.
- Driver Fatigue – Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel, especially during long drives or late commutes.
- Aggressive Driving – Weaving through traffic, road rage, or ignoring traffic laws puts unsafe drivers and others in severe danger.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers who ignore issues like worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty lights may lose control of their car and crash.
- Defective Auto Parts – Malfunctions like brake failure, airbag defects, or steering issues sometimes stem from manufacturer negligence. Similarly, some cars have design flaws that increase the risk of rollovers or make crashes more deadly.
- Negligent Repair Work – Mechanics who cut corners or fail to fix issues properly may leave vehicles unsafe to drive, making crashes more likely.
Who’s Liable for Los Angeles Car Accidents?
In no-fault insurance states like New York, drivers turn to their own insurers first to recover compensation after accidents. For better or worse, California is not a no-fault insurance state. That means you must file a claim against whoever caused a crash to recover compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other losses. But how do you determine who’s liable for a collision?
In most cases, the liable party in a car accident is whoever caused it through their carelessness or dangerous behavior. Depending on the crash’s cause, the potentially liable parties include:
- Another Driver – Speeding, distracted, or otherwise careless drivers are often liable for crashes resulting from their dangerous actions.
- Multiple Drivers – In multi-car accidents, more than one driver may share the blame for your injuries. You may need to file a claim against each liable party to recover maximum compensation.
- Employer – If the at-fault driver was working when the accident happened, their employer might be partly liable, particularly if the business hired an unsafe or unqualified driver
- Car or Parts Manufacturers – A company that made a defective car or part, such as faulty brakes or airbags, may be responsible for injuries resulting from its negligence.
- Repair Shops or Mechanics – Poor repair work or failing to fix known issues can make a mechanic or repair shop liable for a crash.
- Government Agencies – City or state governments may be liable for crashes resulting from unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or lack of maintenance.
- Bars or Social Hosts – California law lets you sue bars, restaurants, and other businesses that serve obviously intoxicated minors who cause crashes. Another state law allows similar lawsuits against social hosts who knowingly provide alcohol to minors.
Protecting Your Rights After a Los Angeles Car Accident
You don’t want to give another driver or their insurer any ammo to use against you in a car accident claim. Here’s what to do to protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovering full compensation after a collision:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – See a doctor if you haven’t already. Once you seek medical attention, make sure you stick to your treatment plan. Skipping appointments or ignoring advice can hurt your legal case by suggesting your injuries aren’t severe.
- Request a Copy of the Accident Report – Get the official report from the police department. It includes key details about the crash and may support your version of events. Let a lawyer know if you see any inaccuracies in the report.
- Document Everything – Save all your medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts related to the crash. These documents help show the collision’s impact on your life. It’s also a good idea to write down how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident – Don’t post about the crash on social media or talk to others about the case. Remember that an insurer can use anything you say about the accident against you.
- Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company Alone – The insurance companies may pressure you to accept a low offer or admit fault. Let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurers to avoid compromising your case.
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney – An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for full compensation.
Compensation in Los Angeles Car Accident Claims
There are two main types of losses from a car accident for which you can seek compensation. The first is your economic losses, such as your medical expenses, lost income, and damage to your vehicle. Medical bills, pay stubs, repair estimates, and other evidence can help you prove these losses.
The second type is your non-economic losses, such as your physical pain and emotional distress from the crash. These losses are harder to prove because they don’t have fixed costs. A personal journal, expert medical opinions, and testimony from friends and family can help illustrate these losses. Your attorney can make sure your claim includes compensation for all your eligible losses, economic and non-economic alike.
Deadline to File a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawsuit
In most cases, you must file a car accident lawsuit within two years of the collision. However, there are shorter deadlines in some cases, such as claims against government agencies. If you miss the filing deadline, you will most likely lose your right to compensation.
Waiting too long to hire a lawyer can also make it harder for them to collect evidence for your claim. We recommend you hire a Los Angeles car accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Contact Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers
Let Dordick Law Corporation take on your legal burden and simplify your life after a car accident. Call (310) 551-0949 now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
