Each year, thousands in Los Angeles are involved in car accidents ranging from fender benders to fatal collisions. We know violent collisions can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. But, as Los Angeles car accident lawyers, we know that even accidents that are considered “minor” can result in injuries that could take weeks or even months to fully heal.
The experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Vaziri Law Group serve victims of car accidents in Los Angeles as well as families that may have tragically lost loved ones in car crashes. We understand that car accidents can result in not just physical injuries, but also emotional pain and financial pressures.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles car accident, we are here to provide you with the support and resources you need to protect your legal rights.
Let an injury attorney help you get the best possible legal advice for your claim. Our Los Angeles law firm offers free consultations to injured accident victims.
Table Of Contents
- Types of Car Accidents
- Proving Negligence in a Los Angeles Car Accident
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Car Accident Laws in California
- Compensation for Los Angeles Car Accident Victims
- Contacting a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents occur in a number of different ways. Distracted driving, defective automobiles, drunk driving, and numerous other factors can be the cause of an automobile accident. Regardless of how or why they occur, victims face significant stresses and challenges in the aftermath of a crash. Our lawyers have helped victims and families secure favorable outcomes regardless of the type of car accident.
Here are some of the most common types of car accidents we see in LA:
Hit-and-run accidents:
These types of accidents are sadly so common in Los Angeles that the city has the dubious distinction of being known as the "hit-and-run capital" of the nation." According to the organization Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE), between 48% and 52% of all collisions being a hit-and-run.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, you may be entitled to compensation including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Rear-end crashes:
Rear-end collisions occur when your vehicle is struck by another driver from behind. This type of collision could happen on freeways or city streets and are often caused by negligence on the part of another driver. We often see this happen with drivers who are distracted, impaired, speeding or fatigued.
T-bone crashes:
Also known as side-impact collisions, these types of accidents when one vehicle is struck by another on the side, could result in major injuries or fatalities. Such accidents typically occur at street intersection, often when negligent drivers fail to stop at red lights or stop signs, or when they fail to yield the right of way.
Head-on collisions:
This happens when two vehicles crash head on. These types of accidents often result in fatalities. They are also often the result of negligence on the part of a driver. One of the common examples we see in Los Angeles is when an impaired driver crosses over to opposing lanes of traffic and strikes another vehicle head on.
Proving Negligence in a Los Angeles Car Accident
In order to prove a car accident claim successfully, a plaintiff must show that the other driver had a duty of care to operate the vehicle in a reasonably safe manner. Plaintiffs must also demonstrate that the driver breached or violated that duty of care and as a result caused the accident, which resulted in the victim's injuries and monetary losses.
In addition to the driver, other negligent parties may also be held liable. For example, if a driver is on the job at the time of the accident, his or her employer can also be held financially responsible. When car accident injuries are caused by roadway defects or poor roadway design or maintenance, the city or governmental agency responsible can also be held liable.
However, a car accident claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days (6 months) of the accident.
Scheduling a free consultation with a experienced car accident lawyer can help you learn more about the process and what you might expect in the coming months.
Common Car Accident Injuries
A serious car accident can cause a number of severe injuries that could require medical treatment. Some of the personal injury types that auto accident victims might suffer from include: bruising, scars and disfiguration, broken bones, facial injuries, neck injuries, whiplash injuries, brain injuries, severe pain, concussions, burns, back injuries, and paralysis among others.
Car Accident Laws in California
In California, car accident laws can be complex, and it's important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. Personal injury lawyers who specialize in car accidents can help you navigate these laws and protect your rights. There are a few key laws that can play a significant role in your car accident claim:
Car insurance:
California adheres to fault-based auto insurance laws. All drivers must carry auto insurance for bodily injury coverage ($15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident) and property damage liability ($5,000). Typically, injured parties will file claims with the at-fault party's insurance company. However, in many situations, injured victims may also be able to bring a car accident lawsuit.
Liability:
California does not prohibit victims of car accidents from financial recovery even if they may have been partially responsible for the accident. The rules of comparative negligence may diminish the victim's recovery depending on his or her percentage of fault.
Statute of limitations:
This is an important law to be aware of because it pertains to the deadline for filing your claim. Under California law, car accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file injury claims. That deadline is three years for claims pertaining only to property damage.
As mentioned earlier, if you are filing a claim against a governmental entity, you must file a notice of claim with the relevant agency within six months of the car accident
Compensation for Los Angeles Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a car accident, you can seek compensation for the following losses:
- Medical expenses / medical bills
- Future treatment and care costs
- Accommodations for disability (temporary or permanent)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Loss of life's enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
If you have lost a loved one in a Los Angeles car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future income and benefits, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.
Contacting a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
The value of motor vehicle accidents will depend on the extent of your injuries and losses. The experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers at the Vaziri Law Group will help you evaluate the accurate value of your car accident case so you are poised to receive maximum compensation for your losses.
If you've been involved in a car accident, it's important to find an experienced car accident attorney who can fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Top car accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to handle all types of auto accident cases, from minor fender benders to serious crashes. They can work with auto accident victims to determine the best course of action, whether it's negotiating with an insurance company or taking the case to court.
Our auto accident lawyers can help you with the process of investigation, collection and compilation of crucial evidence, negotiating with other parties and representing you in court should your case go to trial. Our experienced lawyers will be with you every step of the way, fighting for your rights and best interests. Call us at 310-777-7540 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.