If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you may wonder how you’re going to pay your medical bills and cover other losses. Holding a negligent driver accountable and securing a fair settlement can be difficult.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can provide you with client-focused legal care and guidance. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, 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.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Crash
Car accident victims may be entitled to several different types of compensation in a personal injury claim, including funds to pay for:
Medical Expenses
You may recover compensation for all of your medical expenses related to the car accident. These expenses 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. The at-fault party may have to cover both the wages you would have earned had you not been injured and 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.
For example, you may get 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 sustains damage in the accident, you may recover compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement. You may also be able to recover compensation for any other property damaged in the accident.
Our Los Angeles personal injury 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.
Types of Cases Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Handle
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. Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles 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: Distracted drivers cause major accidents. Even reading one text while driving is enough of a distraction to cause a serious collision. Our lawyers will gather evidence, such as cell phone records, to prove negligence in a distracted driving case.
- Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer: Rideshare accidents can be complicated because a company or negligent driver may deny liability. Insurance coverage is based on a driver’s status. 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 can investigate your case and may file a claim after a hit-and-run crash. We can also file a lawsuit if authorities identify a hit-and-run driver.
- Los Angeles out–of–state driver car accident lawyer: Dealing with an out-of-state driver’s insurance company can be complicated. Our attorneys will handle the challenges 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 teen driver car 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 after a DUI accident.
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.
We Work on Contingency
Our personal injury law firm can take on your motor vehicle accident claim on a contingency-fee basis. Therefore, you’ll only ever pay us legal fees after we resolve your claim.
Advantages of Hiring a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
When a motor vehicle collision upends your life, hiring a skilled Los Angeles, CA, car accident lawyer can significantly improve the outcome of your case. Our legal team can:
Offer Legal Advice
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles understand the challenges of California car accident laws, such as the minimum auto insurance requirements. We can provide you with guidance throughout the legal process.
Perform a Thorough Investigation
An attorney from our firm will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident, gathering crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and medical records. This thorough approach helps build a strong case to support your claim.
Perform an Accurate Damage Assessment
A lawyer can accurately assess the full extent of your non-economic and economic 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.
Use Our 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.
Provide Litigation Support
A lawyer can represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer after a period of negotiations.
Support Your Peace of Mind
Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while knowing that a professional is protecting your legal rights. 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 legal deadlines, and protect you from bad-faith insurance practices as we seek fair compensation.
You should hire an attorney as quickly as possible after a crash. Your lawyer must deal with the insurance company and collect evidence to improve your chances of getting maximum compensation for your losses.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its heavy traffic, crowded freeways, and constant rush-hour congestion, all of which contribute to a high number of serious car accidents every year.
Understanding what causes these crashes can help victims identify who may be responsible for their injuries and strengthen their legal claim.
At Omega Law Group, we know how to investigate collisions across Southern California and uncover the truth behind what happened. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Los Angeles include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting a GPS system can take a driver’s attention off the road for long enough to cause a collision.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed posted limits or drive too fast for road or weather conditions often cause severe, high-impact crashes.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug impairment continue to be major causes of car accidents throughout Los Angeles County.
- Aggressive or reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights puts everyone at risk.
- Fatigued driving: Tired or overworked drivers, especially rideshare or commercial drivers, can react too slowly or fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and inadequate signage can contribute to loss of vehicle control and multi-car accidents.
- Weather–related crashes: Rain and reduced visibility increase the chances of rear-end and chain-reaction collisions on major freeways like the 405, 10, and 101.
By identifying the cause of your accident, our attorneys can determine who is legally responsible and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Understanding the Legal Process and Time Frames for Car Accident Claims
After a car accident in Los Angeles, victims often wonder how long it will take to receive compensation and what the process involves. The timeline depends on the case’s level of challenge, the severity of injuries, and whether the insurance company cooperates.
At Omega Law Group, we guide clients through every stage of the legal process (from the initial investigation to settlement or trial), ensuring no deadline is missed. Here’s an overview of what to expect from our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles:
- Initial investigation: Collecting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical documentation
- Filing the insurance claim: Notifying the at-fault driver’s insurance company and submitting proof of damages
- Negotiations: Attempting to reach a fair settlement without going to court
- Filing a lawsuit (if necessary): If negotiations fail, our lawyers file a formal lawsuit in Los Angeles County civil court
- Discovery phase: Both sides exchange evidence, expert reports, and witness testimony
- Mediation or settlement conferences: Many cases resolve during this stage through negotiated agreements
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a jury or judge decides the outcome
- Statute of limitations: In California, most car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash date, so acting quickly is essential
Our experienced team of Los Angeles car accident lawyers works efficiently to move your case forward while protecting your right to full and fair compensation.
Insurance Company Tactics and Why You Should Have a Lawyer Handle Them
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, and they often use tactics designed to make accident victims accept less than they deserve. When you hire Omega Law Group, you gain advocates who know these strategies inside and out and who won’t let insurers take advantage of you.
Here are some common tactics insurance companies use and how having a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles helps:
- Lowball settlement offers: Insurers may quickly offer a small payment, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the true cost of your injuries.
- Delaying the claim process: Dragging out your case to pressure you into settling for less.
- Disputing liability: Claiming their policyholder wasn’t at fault or that you shared most of the blame.
- Questioning medical treatment: Arguing that your injuries are preexisting or not as serious as reported.
- Requesting recorded statements: Trying to use your words against you later in the claims process.
- Misinterpreting policy language: Using confusing contract terms to deny or reduce valid claims.
Having a lawyer levels the playing field. Our team at Omega Law Group handles all communications with insurers, negotiates aggressively for your best outcome, and prepares every case as if it will go to trial, helping you have the strongest position possible.
How Our Accident Lawyers Prove Negligence in Car Accident Cases
To successfully pursue a personal injury claim after a Los Angeles car accident, it is essential to prove that the other party was negligent. The legal system defines negligence as the failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to another person.
Our experienced injury attorneys and trial lawyers work diligently to establish liability in injury cases, whether the harm involves spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, or a defective product.
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 must follow traffic laws and drive safely to protect others on the road. This includes truck accident and motorcycle accident scenarios, as well as pedestrian accidents, which may result in wrongful death or severe economic damages.
Breach of Duty
Next, our trial attorneys must prove that the driver breached this duty of care. Drivers can breach this duty by speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or engaging in distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving).
Evidence such as traffic citations, witness statements, or police reports, combined with input from a medical professional, can help establish this breach and demonstrate non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Causation
It is crucial to demonstrate that the breach of duty directly caused the car or truck accident and your resulting injuries. Your injury attorneys need to show a clear link between the other driver’s negligent actions and the harm you suffered.
Medical records, accident reconstruction evidence, and expert testimonies from a medical professional or trial team can support this element, particularly in catastrophic injury or spinal cord injury cases.
Damages
Finally, we must prove that you suffered actual damages due to the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, medical liens, economic damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and any other losses incurred due to the injuries sustained.
Documenting these damages is essential for a successful claim. Trial attorneys and trial lawyers at Omega Law Group guide clients through this process while handling legal fees on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you receive skilled legal advice without upfront costs.
Investigation and Evidence
Proving negligence can be challenging, requiring a thorough investigation and collection of evidence. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help gather necessary documentation, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case to establish the other party’s negligence.
By effectively proving these elements, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can enhance your chances of receiving the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
How Comparative Negligence Could Affect Your Car Injury 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 get fair treatment and maximize your chances of securing compensation.
Potentially Liable Parties in Car Accident Cases
Identifying the parties who may be liable in the aftermath of a car accident is crucial to 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:
Other Drivers
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.
Accidents can involve multiple vehicles, and different drivers may share liability. If another driver’s actions contributed to the accident, they may also be held responsible.
Vehicle Owners
If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle they do not own, the owner may also be held liable. This kind of liability can be especially relevant when the owner allowed an irresponsible driver to use the vehicle.
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 perform job-related duties.
Government Entities
Poor road conditions or inadequate signage can sometimes contribute to accidents. If a government entity is responsible for maintaining the roads or signage, it may be liable for negligence if its failure to do so leads to an accident.
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 Do You Have to File a 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 deadline 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.
Speak With a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Now
Therefore, if you get hurt in a car accident in Los Angeles or a surrounding area, it is crucial to speak with an experienced car crash attorney as soon as possible to help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We Can Assist After a Deadly Car Accident
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 wrongful death and car accident injury 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.
Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Today
At Omega Law Group, our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles go above and beyond to help. We always pick up the phone for our clients. Clients trust us with their personal injury 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 legal team. You don’t pay unless we win your case. For more information about personal injury cases, visit our FAQ page.