$250 MILLION+
Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
According to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, Los Angeles recorded 40,735 car crashes in 2023, primarily due to unsafe speeding and drunk driving.
A serious car accident can leave you facing medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and difficult insurance negotiations. Understanding your legal rights early can help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
This guide explains the steps to take after a car accident, filing deadlines, how fault is determined under California law, the insurance claims process, and when it may be beneficial to work with a personal injury lawyer.
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After a serious car accident, insurance companies often move quickly to investigate claims and limit what they pay. RMD Law works to protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation available under California law.
Our firm has recovered over $250 million in personal injury settlements and verdicts, including:
When you hire RMD Law, we handle every stage of your claim, including:
Many car accident claims settle without going to court, but every case follows its own timeline. Straightforward claims may resolve within a few months, while cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take a year or longer.
There are no upfront attorney fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Understanding how accidents happen and the types of injuries they cause can help you better understand your legal options after a collision. Establishing the cause of the crash is also an important part of proving liability in a personal injury claim.
Many Los Angeles car accidents result from:
Identifying the cause of a collision helps determine fault and may affect the amount of compensation available.
Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others may not develop symptoms until hours or days after a crash. Prompt medical treatment protects your health and creates documentation that may support your claim.
Common injuries include:
The value of a personal injury claim often depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost income, future medical needs, and the overall impact on your daily life.
Recent crash data shows that Los Angeles continues to experience thousands of collisions each year.
Although statewide and local statistics provide useful context, every claim depends on the specific facts of the accident, available evidence, and the injuries involved.
If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Punitive damages may also be available in limited cases involving especially reckless or intentional misconduct, although they are not awarded in every case.
The steps you take immediately after a collision can affect both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.
Call 911 if anyone is injured and seek medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not appear until hours or days later, and prompt treatment creates important medical documentation.
Report the collision to law enforcement when required and obtain a copy of the police report if one is prepared.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, visible injuries, and anything else that may help establish how the accident occurred. If witnesses are present, collect their contact information.
Report the accident promptly, but avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company before understanding your legal rights.
If you suffered serious injuries or liability is disputed, consulting a car accident attorney early can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and avoid costly mistakes during the claims process.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 and § 338, you have two years to file a car accident injury claim and three years to file a claim for property damage. It’s essential to take action promptly to pursue compensation for any injuries or damages incurred in the accident.
Claims involving government agencies often have much shorter notice deadlines. Missing a filing deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, so acting promptly is important.
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party may share responsibility for a collision. If you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation, although your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Evidence commonly used to establish fault includes:
Most Los Angeles car accident claims follow a similar process:
Insurance companies investigate every claim to determine liability and the amount they may owe. While adjusters may appear helpful, their goal is often to resolve claims as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
To help protect your claim:
If liability is disputed or the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, legal representation may improve your ability to recover full compensation.
An experienced attorney can manage the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Depending on your case, your lawyer may:
Although many car accident claims settle outside of court, preparing every case for trial often strengthens settlement negotiations.
Not every auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles will suit your needs. It’s essential to evaluate their experience, work ethic, and commitment to your case to ensure the best match. Here are some important questions to consider before making your choice:
It’s crucial to select an attorney who specializes in personal injury law rather than someone who handles a variety of cases. A specialized lawyer will be better equipped to help you pursue compensation and file your case effectively.
Ensure that an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles you choose has handled cases like yours. For instance, if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you’ll want an attorney with expertise in auto accident cases. If your injuries are severe, such as brain or spinal cord injuries, look for someone who has successfully managed complex cases.
You need a lawyer who will prioritize your case and advocate for the maximum compensation possible. Be cautious of attorneys who take on too many cases and settle quickly. Look for someone who is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you rather than rushing through the process.
Although many personal injury cases settle out of court, having an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles prepared to take your case to trial is beneficial if necessary. An attorney with a strong courtroom presence will provide you with peace of mind should your case proceed to that stage.
A competent lawyer should provide realistic expectations for your case without making false promises. While they can’t give you an exact figure, they should offer honest insights based on their experience. Make sure your attorney is clear and transparent about what you can anticipate.
To evaluate a lawyer’s performance, check client reviews, ask for references, and inquire about their past outcomes. Working with a lawyer who has a successful track record can significantly impact your case.
Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement is often advantageous for clients since there are no upfront costs. Look for a lawyer who provides a free consultation, allowing you to discuss your case and determine if they’re the right fit for you.
If you believe fault has been assigned incorrectly, additional evidence may change the outcome of your claim. Photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, expert analysis, and updated police information can all play a role in challenging an insurance company’s decision.
Because California follows comparative negligence rules, successfully disputing fault may increase the compensation available to you. An attorney can help evaluate the evidence, communicate with insurers, and advocate on your behalf throughout the dispute process.
Find out why RMD Law is the preferred choice for car accident victims in Los Angeles.
Prioritize everyone’s safety, call 911 to report the accident, and get medical help if needed. Exchange contact and insurance details with those involved, document the scene with photos and avoid discussing fault. Then, notify your insurance company about the accident.
You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Consulting a car accident lawyer soon after the incident helps ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
California’s comparative negligence system allows you to pursue a claim even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by the degree of your fault.
While not mandatory, having a lawyer can be valuable for managing the complexities of your claim, negotiating with insurers, and fighting for fair compensation. An attorney can assist with evidence gathering and building a solid case on your behalf.
Explore expert insights on car accidents in our informative blog.
Determining liability in multi-car accidents is complicated. However, proving who’s responsible may require accident reconstruction experts, detailed evidence, and skilled legal guidance to untangle the sequence of events.
Car accidents become inevitable when drivers ignore proper safety precautions while on the road, such as exceeding the speed limit or using their phones while driving. Given that such incidents are prevalent in California, the visual guide below compiles everything you need to know about practicing road safety in the state.
Picture this: You’re cruising down familiar streets when, suddenly, a collision shatters the peace. Life’s unpredictable turns can lead you to unexpected places, like finding yourself in a car accident that’s clearly not your fault. According to the Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS), California witnesses thousands of collisions each year,
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We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Shabnam’s passion for the law began with a simple goal: to help people who may not know their rights and stand up for those who need a strong advocate on their side.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
We are Los Angeles personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
Get the recovery you are entitled to regardless of what the police report may say.
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No matter the complications in your case, we know how to get results.
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Equipped to fully investigate your accident and determine the liable party.
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Life-changing injuries need experts in their corner.
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No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
$250 MILLION+ Settlements and Cases Won in California
99% Win Rate
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