If you have been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles or a surrounding area, you may be wondering how you’re going to pay your medical bills. Holding a negligent driver accountable and securing a fair settlement can be difficult.
A skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer can provide you with client-focused legal care and guidance. At Omega Law Group, we help our clients every step of the way. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our previous clients.
From resolving our clients’ property damage claims fairly and promptly to helping them find superior medical care, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers strive to maximize every settlement. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
Advantages to Hiring a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
When a motor vehicle collision upends your life, hiring a skilled Los Angeles, CA, car accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are some key advantages of working with an experienced car accident lawyer:
- Legal advice: Our lawyers understand the complexities of California car accident laws, such as the minimum auto insurance requirements. We can provide you with guidance throughout the legal process.
- Thorough investigation: An attorney from our firm will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, pictures of the accident scene, and medical records. This thorough approach helps build a strong case to support your claim.
- Accurate damage assessment: A lawyer can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We may consult medical professionals to determine any ongoing medical care expenses you may require.
- Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our skilled lawyers will negotiate on your behalf, advocating for a fair settlement that truly reflects the impact of the accident on your life.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can represent you in court.
- Peace of Mind: Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal rights are being protected. This peace of mind can be invaluable during a challenging time.
Handling a motor vehicle accident case on your own while healing from injuries can be overwhelming, and you could make mistakes that cost you in the long run. Our lawyers can fight for your best interests, meet your legal deadlines, and protect you from bad-faith insurance practices as we seek fair compensation.
How Our Los Angeles Lawyers Prove Negligence in Car Accident Cases
To successfully pursue a personal injury claim after a car accident, it is essential to prove that the other party was negligent. Negligence is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to another person.
In car accident cases, establishing negligence typically involves demonstrating four key elements:
- Duty of care: The first step is to show that the at-fault driver had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care while operating their vehicle. All drivers are required to follow traffic laws and drive safely to protect others on the road.
- Breach of duty: Next, you must prove that the driver breached this duty of care. This could involve actions such as speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving). Evidence such as traffic citations, witness statements, or police reports can help establish this breach.
- Causation: It is crucial to demonstrate that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. This means showing a clear link between the other driver’s negligent actions and the harm you suffered. Medical records, accident reconstruction evidence, and expert testimonies can support this element.
- Damages: Finally, you must prove that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses incurred due to the injuries sustained. Documenting these damages is essential for a successful claim.
Proving negligence can be complex, requiring a thorough investigation and collection of evidence. A skilled attorney can help gather necessary documentation, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case to establish the other party’s negligence.
By effectively proving these elements, you enhance your chances of receiving the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Potentially Liable Parties in Car Accident Cases
Identifying the parties that may be held liable in the aftermath of a car accident is crucial for pursuing a successful personal injury claim. While the at-fault driver is often the primary focus, other individuals or entities may also share responsibility for the accident.
Here are some potentially liable parties to consider:
- The at-fault driver: Typically, the driver who caused the accident through negligent behavior—such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence—can be held liable for resulting damages and injuries.
- Vehicle owners: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle that they do not own, the vehicle owner may also be held liable. This is especially relevant in cases where the owner allowed the driver to use the vehicle and failed to ensure that they were a responsible driver.
- Employers: If the accident involved a driver who was working at the time, such as a delivery driver or a truck driver, their employer could be held liable under the legal principle of vicarious liability. Employers are responsible for their employees’ actions while they are performing job-related duties.
- Manufacturers: If a vehicle malfunction or defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts may be held liable. This includes defects in design, manufacturing, or inadequate safety warnings.
- Government entities: Sometimes, poor road conditions or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents. If a government entity is responsible for maintaining the roads or signage, they may be held liable for negligence if their failure to do so leads to an accident.
- Other drivers: Accidents can involve multiple vehicles, and liability may be shared among different drivers. If another driver’s actions contributed to the accident, they may also be held responsible.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential for maximizing compensation in a personal injury claim. A knowledgeable auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, determine all responsible parties, and pursue every avenue for recovery.
How Long You Have to File a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawsuit
In California, there is a set period of time in which a person can file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California, including those related to car accidents, is typically two years from the date of the incident, per California Civil Code § 335.1.
It is important to note that the clock starts ticking on the date of the accident, not the date of any subsequent injuries or medical treatment. If someone fails to file a lawsuit within this window of time, they may lose their legal right to seek compensation for their injuries.
Therefore, if you have been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles or a surrounding area, it is important to speak with an experienced car crash attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types Of Auto Accident Cases Our Attorneys Handle in Los Angeles
We help clients file lawsuits for virtually any type of collision, regardless of the severity of their injuries. With decades of combined experience, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys have seen the various ways negligence can play out on the road.
Our knowledge and extensive resources are two qualities that set us apart and qualify us to handle your case. We handle all types of auto accident claims, and we will assign one of the following legal professionals to your case:
- Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyer: Even reading one text while driving is enough of a distraction to cause a serious collision. Our lawyers will gather evidence, such as cellphone records, to demonstrate negligence in a distracted driving case.
- Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer: Rideshare accidents can be particularly difficult because a company or negligent driver may deny liability. Insurance coverage applies based on the status of a driver. Our legal team will determine which party’s provider to file a claim with.
- Los Angeles freeway accident lawyer: Freeway accidents can be particularly severe, especially if large commercial trucks are involved. Our attorneys will help you hold all responsible parties accountable.
- Los Angeles hit-and-run accident lawyer: Our lawyers will investigate your case and file a claim. We can also file a lawsuit if authorities identify a hit-and-run driver.
- Los Angeles out-of-state driver accident lawyer: Dealing with an out-of-state driver’s insurance company can be complicated. Our attorneys will handle the complexities of your car accident claim.
- Los Angeles passenger injury car accident lawyer: If you suffered injuries as a passenger in someone else’s car, you can file a claim against the liable driver. Our lawyers will help you demonstrate negligence and seek fair compensation.
- Los Angeles teenage driver accident lawyer: If a teen is responsible for your collision injuries, our legal team can file a claim with their parents or the owner of the vehicle they were driving at the time of the accident.
- Los Angeles rear-end collision lawyer: Rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can lead to severe injuries. We will demonstrate the extent of your injuries to fight for a fair recovery.
- Los Angeles head-on collision lawyer: Head-on collisions can happen due to impaired driving, distracted driving, or other forms of negligence. These accidents usually result in catastrophic injuries. Our lawyers will help you seek justice and maximum compensation.
- Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer: There’s no excuse for drunk driving. Our team will help you hold an impaired driver accountable for your injuries and losses.
Our experienced car accident attorneys in Los Angeles, CA, will determine how another party’s negligence caused or contributed to your collision. We will work to hold them responsible for your physical injuries and financial losses.
Types Of Compensation Our Legal Team Can Help You Recover After a Car Crash
Car accident victims may be entitled to several different types of compensation in a personal injury claim, including:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to recover compensation for all of your medical expenses related to the car accident. This can include hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any other treatment you need as a result of the accident.
- Lost wages: If you missed time from work as a result of the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages. This can include both the wages you would have earned had you not been injured, as well as any bonuses or commissions you would have earned.
- Pain and suffering: You may also be able to recover compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish you experienced as a result of the accident. This can include compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life if you suffer from disabling conditions due to your accident injuries.
- Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement. You may also be able to recover compensation for any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Our Los Angeles law firm will accurately assess your losses and seek maximum compensation from the at-fault driver. We have extensive experience with settlement negotiations and will not hesitate to take legal action to obtain the money you deserve.
How a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Losing a loved one in a fatal auto collision is an unimaginable tragedy that can leave families devastated and uncertain about the future. In such difficult times, a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can provide essential support and guidance as you seek justice for your family member.
First and foremost, our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys will help you understand your rights and the legal grounds for a wrongful death claim. We will evaluate the circumstances of the accident to establish liability and determine who can be held responsible for your loved one’s death.
Our wrongful death lawyer can seek compensation to help you honor your loved one’s memory and cope in their absence. We will seek coverage for:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of companionship
- Reimbursement for your loved one’s medical bills
Our experienced car accident attorneys will advocate for fair compensation that reflects the profound impact of your loss. That way, you will be able to grieve in peace with your family.
Common and Severe Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from mild to severe, and some may require long-term care and rehabilitation. Even seemingly minor car accidents can hide severe injuries with latent symptoms. Understanding these injuries is crucial for recognizing the potential impact on your health and well-being.
Common injuries that can lead to further medical complications if not properly treated include the following:
- Whiplash: A frequent result of rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked, leading to neck strain and pain. Symptoms can persist for weeks or even months.
- Fractures: Broken bones, such as those in the arms, legs, or ribs, are common in car accidents. Depending on the severity, fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Severe injuries following a car accident can include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur from striking the head during an accident, leading to cognitive impairments, emotional distress, and physical disabilities. Recovering from this potentially catastrophic injury can be a long and complex process, often requiring ongoing therapy.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting mobility and independence. Long-term care, including physical therapy and assistive devices, may be necessary.
- Internal Injuries: Injuries to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can require surgery and prolonged medical care for recovery.
- Severe Burns: Burns from vehicle fires or explosions can lead to extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and rehabilitation, and may result in permanent scarring.
Many of these injuries may necessitate long-term care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. The emotional toll and lifestyle changes that accompany severe injuries can also require psychological support.
Understanding the potential for long-term implications highlights the importance of seeking proper medical attention and legal guidance following a car accident. This ensures that you can secure the compensation needed to cover long-term care and support your recovery.
How Comparative Negligence Under California Law Could Affect Your Car Collision Case
Car accident claims in California are based on “pure comparative negligence.” Under California Civil Code § 1714, you may recover compensation from any other at-fault party regardless of how much your actions contributed to the collision. That said, your percentage of fault will reduce your maximum eligible compensation.
For example, say you were injured in a crash and suffered $100,000 worth of damages, including medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost income. At trial, a jury determines that you are 15% at fault for the crash because you were speeding. You would then recover a maximum of $85,000 (or $100,000 less 15%).
Insurance providers are well aware of these comparative fault rules and will likely use this knowledge while assessing the value of your claim. For this reason, it is essential to work with a Los Angeles auto accident attorney who can ensure you are treated fairly and maximize your chances of securing compensation.
Contact Our Los Angeles, CA, Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Omega Law Group, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys go above and beyond to help. We always pick up the phone for our clients, who have our personal cellphone numbers.
Clients trust us with their cases, and we understand the responsibility that comes with that. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an automobile accident, we will file your claim or lawsuit to seek the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Contact Omega Law Group today for a FREE consultation with our experienced attorneys in Los Angeles. You don’t pay unless we win your case.