Car Accidents

• What to Do After a California Auto Accident?
• Recent Case Results
• Frequency of Car Accidents in California
• Prompt Medical Treatment & Legal Counsel
• Common LA Car Accident Injuries
• Los Angeles Car Accident Damages Recovery
• CA Car Accident Case Study
• California Insurance Company Tactics
• Get Help Today
• Additional Resources

As a Los Angeles, California motor vehicle accidents attorney knows, traffic accidents occur more frequently in the state than in any other state in the U.S. because of the high traffic volume on the state’s highway system. The higher volume of vehicles on the roadways in urban areas, including Los Angeles, San Diego, the Inland Empire, Ventura County, Orange County, the San Joaquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, results in especially high crash and injury rates in those locations. More than one-third of the land that is located in the L.A. Basin, including the San Fernando Valley, is covered by roadways and freeways. If you are involved in an accident, getting the help of an accidents lawyer may make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim.

Our client was 25 years old, active in various intramural sports and a manager at his place of employment. He was stopped at a red light in a major intersection in Southern California when the driver behind him (distracted by her cell phone and not noticing the traffic had stopped in front of her) rear ended our client at a significant rate of speed. We assisted our client in getting quality medical treatment (including and MRI, which revealed a herniated disc in his back). We found a neurosurgeon to perform a repair of the disc and he followed up with physical therapy and was eventually able to return to work and playing sports. He received a significant 6 figure settlement for his lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress related to the accident. Note: “this testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.”

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When people are injured in motor vehicle collisions that were caused by another driver’s actions, it is common for insurance company representatives and adjusters to contact the injured victims as soon as the companies learn about the collision. They may ask for victims to make recorded statements and to sign release forms. The reason that insurance companies do this is to minimize their losses. The releases are often blanket authorizations that allow insurance companies to review people’s entire medical histories. They want to be able to do this so that they can blame a person’s injuries on prior incidents rather than on the accident itself. This may make it much more difficult to prove the value of the claim.

Companies also want recorded statements from victims soon after their accidents so that they can use their statements against them later in any resulting injury claims. For these reasons, it is very important for people to avoid talking about the accident and to refuse to sign anything until they have had a chance to speak with experienced personal injury attorneys. When they are contacted, they should simply inform the adjusters that they need to talk to their lawyers.

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When you have been injured in a California car accident, it is important for you to seek the help of an injury law firm that will fight for the maximum amount of compensation for your losses. Contact the Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC statewide at 866-966-5240. Our consultations are free, and there are no up-front fees or costs. You will not have to pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today.

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The so called "Statute of Limitations" or time deadline for filing a lawsuit in court on a California car accident claim is two years from the date of the incident. This is shortened if you are filing a claim against a public entity (e.g. city, county or state-owned vehicle hits you) to 6 months from the date of the accident to file a "Government Tort Claim" and a short time after it is rejected to file suit. Even though California law provides two year to file a lawsuit, it is important to seek out the assistance of an attorney and file a claim with the insurance company as soon as possible after a crash. Delay in informing the insurance company of a claim can result in denial of the claim or argument from the insurance company that such delay indicates a lack of true injury (i.e. if you were really hurt, you would have filed a claim sooner).

If you are involved in a car accident in California, there are several steps you should take, both for your safety and to comply with the law:

1. Stop and Protect the Scene:

   • Always stop after an accident, regardless of the severity. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially if someone is injured, can result in serious criminal charges.
   • If it's safe, move your vehicle out of traffic. If you can't move the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

2. Check for Injuries:

   • Check yourself and other passengers for injuries. If someone is seriously injured, it's best not to move them unless they're in immediate danger.
   • Call 911 if there are any injuries.

3. Exchange Information:

   • Gather information from all involved parties, including:
     • Name, address, and phone number
     • Driver's license number and expiration date
     • Vehicle license plate number
     • Insurance information (company and policy number)
   • It's also useful to collect contact information from witnesses.

4. Document the Accident:

   • Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, license plates, and any injuries.
   • Write down the location of the accident, the time and date, weather conditions, and any other pertinent details.

5. Notify the Police:

   • For significant accidents, especially those with injuries, it's crucial to call the police. They will create a police report which can be valuable later.
   • For minor fender-benders without injuries, you might choose not to call the police. However, having a police report can be beneficial in settling disputes or claims.

6. Avoid Discussing Fault:

   • Be careful about what you say at the scene. Do not admit fault, even if you believe you might be responsible. Statements made at the accident scene can later be used against you.

7. Seek Medical Attention:

   • Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not manifest symptoms immediately. It's essential to see a doctor soon after the accident to establish a record and ensure you haven't sustained unseen injuries.

8. Notify Your Insurance Company:

   • Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They will provide guidance on the next steps and inform you about your coverage details.

9. Keep Records:

   • Document all medical treatments, bills, and any other expenses related to the accident. Also, keep a journal of how the accident has affected your daily life and any pain or discomfort you experience.

10. Consult an Attorney:

    • If there are disputes over fault or if you've sustained significant injuries, consult with a personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance on your rights and potential compensation.

11. Comply with California Reporting Requirements:

    • California law requires that a Traffic Accident Report be filed with the DMV within 10 days if:
      • There was property damage of more than $1,000 or
      • Anyone was injured (no matter how minor) or killed.

• $2,000,000 - Los Angeles car accident
• $1,250,000 - Wrongful Death Motor Vehicle Collision in Los Angeles
• $1,500,000 - Wrongful Death

While no lawyer can or should guarantee a result on a motor vehicle accident claim, we have shown a consistent record of success for over 25 years.

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• How to obtain a copy of a traffic collision report from the California Highway Patrol
• State Bar of California – “What should I do if I have an auto accident?”

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